Do you know a local food business that might have surplus food to donate? We are looking for people who would be up for going out and talking to local food businesses in your neighbourhood to find out if they ever have food waste they could donate to the Hornbeam or other local community food projects in your area. Through building relationships with local businesses we are aiming to create a local community food system where less food is wasted, and there is more solidarity between local businesses and community groups.

The activity could be done alone in your own time, or buddied up with someone else depending on what works best for you.

This could be an opportunity to practise social and conversational skills, to get outside and to visit new places in your neighbourhood and get to know your local community. It’s also a chance to meet other volunteers who care about reducing food waste and helping people access the food they need.

Volunteers will be briefed and supported with any questions they might have about doing this. We have flyers and materials to help with starting conversations. If you are interested in giving this a go contact Angus: outreach@hornbeam.org.uk

Do you have access to a car or know how to drive? Are you a confident cyclist who would like to learn to ride a cargo bike? If you would be keen to help reduce food waste and get usable food to people who need it, this would be a great way to help out.

We need a pool of local cyclists and/or drivers who would be able to pick up and drop off food when a local business lets us know they have a donation. As we never know when we might receive a donation, this role is ad hoc and dependent on your availability.This role is ideal for local people who might be willing to respond to a call out and run an errand at short notice. Many food businesses will have surplus to donate at the end of the day, so evening availability will be very useful.

There is an opportunity to be trained in riding cargo bikes. Volunteers are also welcomed to take some free groceries for their household as a thank you for helping out. If you are interested in joining this pool contact Angus: outreach@hornbeam.org.uk

At the Hornbeam, we combine ethos with practice, focusing on food as a tool to build community and encourage more sustainable systems as well as promoting our communities’ wellbeing. We work towards a more connected, inclusive and resilient Waltham Forest community. To reach our goal we organise or attend outreach activities. Depending on the projects we are running at the time, we need volunteers to attend events our partners are running, give information on the projects we run or help us with organising our own events!

Role specification

If you are interested in food insecurity, food justice, waste and environmental issues, if you have a passion for building sustainable communities, chatting to people from different backgrounds then this is for you!

As a volunteer you will be attending events or help us organise one. There will be a project coordinator who will provide you with training to equip you for this role and provide you with ongoing supervision.

You will engage with the public and in some cases people from our partner organisations. If you have a passion for empowering communities to mutually support one another and you’d like to engage in conversation with individuals to inspire them about how we live our lives and our impacts on our environment, you are welcome to join our team.

Once you register interest one of the project coordinators will get in touch with you to discuss the particular project and the opportunities for outreach. There will be food involved and expect to meet incredible people and connect with your local community!

Details:

Volunteer position

Any day of the week and sometimes weekends

Hours: 3 hours each shift

Dates and venue:

We will organise a safeguarding training, Time and venue TBA

This role is not based in a specific venue, outreach activities take place in Leyton and Walthamstow.

How to apply:

Please send an email to Amy to outreach@hornbeam.org.uk

The Hornbeam collects surplus food that would otherwise be thrown away, and redistributes it to local food shares, community kitchens, street pantries and food c-ops. We are recruiting 2-4 volunteers to support this work.

Our Surplus Food Hub:

Several times a week we receive large donations of food from organisations such as Felix Project, City Harvest and Waltham Forest Council, and small donations from local businesses such as Today Bread bakery.

Role specification

If you are interested in food justice and community building then this is for you! Volunteering at a pantry is a great way to give something back to your community, meet new people and learn new skills.

As a volunteer you will work alongside the project coordinator and other volunteers of the pantry. You will help set up the pantry and pack it down. The pantry is like a small grocery shop we set up each week at the Stafford Hall. It takes 15 minutes to set it up and less to pack down.

You will engage with the pantry members and make sure they have a pleasant experience. As a volunteer you will help members to fill in the membership forms, keep the attendance record and help with the payment. You will also have plenty of opportunities to engage in conversation with members if you wish to do so.

We will provide you with a thorough induction and training to equip you for this role and provide you with ongoing supervision.

This role would suit you if you are interested in engaging with local people with a non-judgemental approach and are keen to work on food resilience projects.

Details:

Benefits: Volunteers will have a free lunch at The Gleaners’ Cafe and can take home some groceries after their shift

Every Friday, or every other Friday for 6 months. If you cannot commit to 6 months, please let us know your availability.

Hours: Fridays 11.00 - 15.00

Based at The Hornbeam Centre, E17 9AH

How to apply:

Please send an email to Jess at volunteering@hornbeam.org.uk

Currently, due to the requirements of ongoing projects, The Gleaners are taking a pause on recruiting new volunteers. Do check back soon to see if this changes, or keep on eye on The Gleaners’ socials for updates on volunteer recruitment.