Press release

FoodCycle wins Prime Minister’s Big Society Award

FoodCycle - a project that brings together young volunteers, surplus food and free kitchen space to create nutritious meals for people affected by food poverty in the UK is the latest winner of the Prime Minister's Big Society Award.

This was published under the 2010 to 2015 Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government

FoodCycle - a project that brings together young volunteers, surplus food and free kitchen space to create nutritious meals for people affected by food poverty in the UK is the latest winner of the Prime Minister’s Big Society Award.

The project started in 2008 and has grown to 14 hubs across the country, serving homeless people, refugees, the elderly, and those on low income.

The Prime Minister said:

This is a simple but brilliant idea. It is an opportunity for young people to volunteer and learn new skills while helping others in their community. Food poverty and food waste is a significant issue in this country and FoodCycle has come up with an innovative and life-changing solution. Congratulations to everyone involved in the project and I hope it will inspire others to create the Big Society I want to see.

FoodCycle founder, Kelvin Cheung said:

This award shows the importance of our work in today’s Big Society.  We thank all our dedicated volunteers across the country, our funders, and our food partners such as Sainsbury’s for making this all possible.  FoodCycle is an example of what is possible when everyone contributes just a little time and energy to the betterment of their community.

For more information on Food Cycle visit: www.foodcycle.org.uk

More on the Big Society Awards:

The Prime Minister recently launched a new weekly award that recognises the best examples of the Big Society in action taking place all around the country.

As well as celebrating the fantastic work already being carried out across the country, the Prime Minister hopes that the Big Society Awards will inspire many more people to get involved in their community.

The Prime Minister said:

There are some amazing projects and remarkable voluntary work going on in towns and cities up and down the country, by all kinds of organisations from large enterprises to tiny grassroots schemes and inspirational individuals.

These awards are a chance to pay tribute to those making a valuable contribution to their community, the real champions of the Big Society, but perhaps more importantly, I hope they will motivate many others to take action, get involved and drive change in their area.

Individuals, businesses, charities, community groups and other organisations are all eligible if they illustrate the Big Society in action.

These might be:

  • People or groups who are bringing their community together and helping to give people more power to take decisions and shape their area
  • People who are transforming our public services, staff setting up their own cooperatives, or new providers or frontline staff finding innovative ways to deliver better services to the public
  • Or people who are giving their time and money to help others, the unsung heroes changing lives in every neighbourhood of the country.

People can submit nominations via the No 10 website.  Nominees will then go through a selection process which will eventually involve a panel of previous winners and individuals from civil society organisations, Government and the private sector.

Award winners will receive a certificate from the Prime Minister and will be invited to a regular Big Society Award Winners Reception at Downing Street.

To nominate a Big Society Award winner visit: /bigsocietyawards

[http://www.number10.gov.uk/news/press-notices/2011/01/foodcycle-wins-prime-minister%e2%80%99s-big-society-award-60038/attachment/big-society-award-3001]

[http://www.number10.gov.uk/news/press-notices/2011/01/foodcycle-wins-prime-minister%e2%80%99s-big-society-award-60038/attachment/foodcycle-kitchen-prep_474]

Published 21 January 2011