Worcester Centre Offers Free Meals and Community Connection

At a community centre in Worcester, guests prepare to enjoy a meal prepared by volunteers from the charity FoodCycle. For some individuals, this meal helps manage their finances; for others, it provides an opportunity to socialize instead of experiencing loneliness. Every Thursday evening at the Tolladine Hub community centre, these meals are cooked using food sourced from supermarkets that would otherwise have been discarded. “I work three jobs and still struggle,” remarked one mother who frequently visits the hub. She added, “A lot of parents that work, have the same struggles as those on benefits, this should be available for everybody.” She further stated that the scheme does not discriminate by saying “I’m sorry, but you work so you can’t come,” emphasizing that it is for everyone to “feel welcome and have a nice meal.” Pablo Allan, FoodCycle regional manager, noted that it is a free, “no questions asked” three-course meal for approximately 40 guests, which also contributes to environmental preservation. The charity indicated it conducts 12 similar community events weekly across the Midlands. Another charity supplies food from supermarkets, shops, and other providers, with the produce often being at or near its expiry date. Mr. Allan stated: “We provide a nutritious, healthy meal – and we’re also creating a safe space for people to socialize, connect, and hopefully build resilient communities.” He added, “Our aim is basically to create these community spaces, because through those resilient communities, we can see people’s mental health improve as well, through getting out of the house, tackling the isolation and loneliness which is still widespread at the moment.” Meals are served every Thursday from 17:30 GMT at the Tolladine Hub community centre, Worcester. Follow BBC Hereford & Worcester on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.