Food Surplus Redistribution Lead Volunteer

Join us in reducing food waste and supporting communities across Greater Manchester as a Food Surplus Redistribution Lead Volunteer.

This is a great opportunity to make a practical difference, develop your leadership and coordination skills, and be part of a team helping to ensure surplus food is put to good use.

About the role

We collect surplus food from supermarkets and other food donors and redistribute it within local communities.

We are looking for a Food Surplus Redistribution Lead Volunteer to help keep our food collections and distribution activities organised. You’ll work alongside other volunteers, coordinating practical arrangements, supporting the team, and helping to ensure food is collected, handled, and redistributed safely.

What you’ll be doing

Depending on the collection and distribution schedule, you’ll help with:

• Food Collections: Coordinate and carry out collections from supermarkets and other agreed collection points, including confirming collection times and arrangements.
• Food Distribution: Support the sorting, packing, storage and distribution of collected food, following agreed food safety and handling procedures.
• Team Leadership: Brief, guide, and support volunteers participating in collections and distribution; allocate practical tasks; and work alongside the team.
• Donor Relationships: Keep in touch with existing food donors, confirm routine collection arrangements and communicate any changes or issues.
• Identify Potential Donors: Help identify local businesses and organisations that may have suitable surplus food and support agreed initial contact and follow-up.
• Records and Logistics: Maintain records of food collected and distributed, collection arrangements, and any issues that need follow-up.

What we’re looking for

Previous food redistribution experience is not required. This role could be a good fit if you:

• are organised and reliable
• are comfortable communicating with a range of people
• enjoy working as part of a team and are happy to take the lead when needed
• can give clear and practical guidance to other volunteers
• can keep simple, accurate records
• can adapt when collection arrangements change
• are willing to follow food safety, health and safety and safeguarding procedures.

Experience of coordinating people, deliveries or stock would be helpful but is not essential.

Practical details

• Driving and transport: This role involves travelling to food collection points and transporting surplus food. To carry out these collections, you will need a full driving licence valid in the UK and access to a suitable vehicle.
• Lifting and carrying: Collections and distribution can involve loading and unloading food, as well as some lifting and carrying.
• Accessibility: We want volunteering with us to be as accessible as possible. If you would like to discuss an adjustment that could help you take part, please let us know.
• Expenses: Agreed mileage and other approved travel expenses will be reimbursed in line with our expenses policy.

If you have any questions about the driving requirements or whether the role would be suitable for you, please get in touch.

Time commitment

This is a flexible volunteering role, arranged around food collection and distribution schedules.

We’re looking for someone who can usually offer around 4–8 hours a week, across agreed collection or distribution days.

Collection times can vary depending on when surplus food becomes available, so some flexibility is helpful. We’ll agree arrangements with you based on your availability.

What you’ll gain

Through this role, you can:

• gain practical leadership and coordination experience
• strengthen your organisation, communication and problem-solving skills
• gain hands-on experience of food redistribution and logistics
• gain experience working with food donors and community organisations
• receive relevant training and ongoing support.

About Cede Foundation

We are a community-led charity working to tackle poverty and social exclusion by creating opportunities, strengthening communities and supporting people to overcome barriers.

Our work includes education and skills, health and wellbeing, children and young people, community development and environmental sustainability, including surplus food redistribution.

Interested?

If you’d like to take a practical lead in reducing food waste and supporting local communities, we’d love to hear from you.

Please get in touch to express your interest or find out more about the role.