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Foodcycle Volunteer Driver Form

Thank you for being a volunteer driver for FoodCycle!

By helping us pick up surplus food from suppliers and take it to our Projects, you're helping to make delicious meals and build local communities.

Please complete the form below so that we have an accurate record of your details. If your details change (e.g. new vehicle, different surname etc.), please let us know.

Please note: we will only be able to pay volunteer driver expenses if this form has been completed.  

Complete the volunteer driver form below:

Volunteer Driver Form

Volunteer Driver Policy

Key info for Food Collection Volunteers

Suppliers

Sourcing surplus food from a range of different places is a great way to ensure that we have enough ingredients for cooking sessions.

Suppliers can include:

  • Wholesalers
  • Local grocers and corner shops
  • Markets and farmer's markets
  • Farms, including city farms
  • Allotments
  • Bakers

Collection Tips

  • Keep to the agreed arrangement and always be on time! If you’re going to be late, it’s best to call the store.
  • Wear your FoodCycle-branded hi-vis vest to show you are from FoodCycle.
  • Let them know the amazing things you do with their food – lots of their staff are really interested in the great work you do!
  • It is important that collected surplus food is safely stored until it can be used. This means that you will need access to the Project venue’s kitchen (or other designated storage space) following the collection, so that the surplus can be kept safe away from pests and chilled if needed.

Food we CAN use

  • Fresh fruit
  • Fresh vegetables
  • Fresh herbs
  • Dairy products
  • Cut flowers
  • Bakery goods - brown bread in particular!
  • Tinned food
  • Dried food in packets such as pasta or rice
  • Food past its BEST BEFORE or SELL-BY/ DISPLAY UNTIL date.

Food we CAN’T use

  • Meat
  • Fish
  • Ready meals / processed foods
  • Sandwiches
  • Food past its USE-BY date

USE-BY dates are found on highly perishable foods which carry a high risk of causing food poisoning – our insurance does not cover us for this food, so please don’t pick it up!

Purchasing Tips 

If there isn't much surplus food to collect, you may sometimes need to buy a few extra items to make sure there's enough food for that week's meal. Please make sure that you have permission from a Project Leader or FoodCycle staff member before purchasing anything, and keep a copy of the receipt. Remember these tips:

  • Always buy free-range eggs
  • Always select unsalted butter and whole-wheat grains
  • Avoid low fat options, as often they’re not a healthier choice
  • We know you will try to be thrifty when buying extra food but remember that our vulnerable guests can be lacking essential nutrients, so always make sure there is protein in the meal and a variety of nutrients

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