FoodCycle volunteers at work

FOODCYCLE, the national charity which aims to tackle food waste and food poverty, has won the Mayor of Islington’s Civic Award.

The Finsbury Park Project based at Andover Estate Community Centre provides free weekly meals to the community from donated surplus food and was awarded the Mayor’s Civic and the Ben Kinsella Award for their selfless contribution.

FoodCycle London regional manager Francesca Selwood said: “We are thrilled to win this award, particularly as it is designed to recognise the unsung heroes in the local community. It celebrates our amazing Finsbury Park team who work tirelessly every week to create incredible nutritious meals for the community from surplus food.”

FoodCycle guests enjoying a meal

The ceremony was at Islington Town Hall on March 14.

Finsbury Park volunteer project leader Celina Belotti, 32, who moved to London from Brazil five years ago, said: “I’ve never won anything before. It is a massive honour to be recognised for our hard work.”

The charity is currently operating 66 projects across the UK. With food poverty and loneliness growing issues, it aims to inspire change, promote sustainability and nourish the hungry.

A FoodCycle survey found that 87 per cent of guests said that coming to a meal makes them feel part of their community.