Our Monday Solidarity Supermarket runs from 4pm to 6pm. The cafe is transformed into a corner grocery store, with a range of fresh fruit and veg, staple grocery items including organic products from Suma, and refillable spices, cleaning products and bulk organic rice and lentils, payable by sliding scale.

We seek volunteers to help us set up and pack down, manage the purchases and maintain a friendly and warm atmosphere in the cafe. If this is something you are interested in, please email Amy at 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

The Hornbeam collects surplus food that would otherwise be thrown away, and redistributes it to local food shares, community kitchens, street pantries and food co-ops.

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. The work happens outdoors, in the the yard and involves sorting the crates that come in and keeping cold store well stocked and free of food that is passed it’s useful life.

Benefits: Volunteers can take home a bag of groceries after their shift.

Hours: Shifts happen on Monday, Thursday and Friday.

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.