Sheffield thrives on community spirit, and no one embodies that better than Sheffield Food Chain. Born out of the much-loved Foodhall project, this volunteer-led charity is taking a fresh approach to tackling food insecurity—one delicious, plant-based meal at a time. With their upcoming participation in the Sheffield Park Hill Uprise in March, they’re proving that a little pedal power can go a long way in creating a healthier, more connected city.
Sheffield Food Chain officially hit the ground rolling in 2023, picking up where the Food Delivery Project left off. When the Food Delivery Project closed in late 2022, a dedicated group of volunteers saw the need to continue offering nutritious meals to those facing food insecurity. Rather than letting a vital support system disappear, they came together, registered as a charity, and got to work.
Based at Cemetery Road Baptist Church, Sheffield Food Chain has since built a dynamic network of over 50 volunteers. Their mission is simple: cook nutritious vegetarian and vegan meals using surplus food and organic produce when possible and deliver them by bike to those in need. Their operation is as efficient as it is impactful—every week, their volunteers rescue fresh produce from local suppliers like Beanies and Le Crunch, batch-cook healthy meals, freeze them, and then distribute them across the city. All of this happens without charge, ensuring that dignity and accessibility remain at the heart of what they do.
Sheffield Food Chain’s reach is impressive. Their deliveries extend to communities in Arbourthorne, Burngreave, Broomhall, Highfield, Nether Edge, and Sharrow. Using e-cargo bikes and regular bicycles, volunteers deliver essential meals and help distribute surplus food to other community kitchens, such as Open Kitchen Social Club and St Mary’s Community Centre.
Beyond delivering food, Sheffield Food Chain is about building relationships. It collaborates with charities and community groups—including Shelter, Sayit, Family Voice Sheffield, and Together Women—to ensure its support reaches the most marginalised individuals. Many recipients face barriers to accessing other food services due to disabilities, financial struggles, or social isolation, and Sheffield Food Chain is committed to ensuring no one falls through the cracks.
This summer, the team will be swapping meal deliveries for adrenaline as they take part in the Sheffield Park Hill Uprise Urban Hill Climb. Their volunteer cyclists will compete in the cargo bike race, an event that combines fun, fitness, and fundraising. The team will celebrate their incredible volunteers, raise awareness of their work, and showcase their newly revamped e-cargo bike, designed by trustee and resident artist Shaun Bardsley.
Food Chain is inviting the entire city to come along and cheer them on. The race isn’t just about the thrill of the climb; it’s about rallying the community around a common cause. Every meal they deliver, every bike ride they take, and every cheer from the crowd helps them continue their mission. Plus, what better way to show appreciation for their two-wheeled warriors than to support them as they tackle one of Sheffield’s steepest challenges?
Sheffield Food Chain has recently signed the Sheffield Food Charter and has become a ShefFood partner. Their work aligns perfectly with ShefFood’s core themes very closely:
Health – Good food is the foundation of good health. Their meals are packed with nutrients, promoting balanced diets while ensuring that food-insecure individuals have access to quality meals. The volunteers themselves benefit too—whether through physical activity on their delivery routes or learning new recipes in the kitchen.
Community Food Provision – The organisation is one of many in Sheffield’s food ecosystem. By working with other community kitchens, they make sure no surplus food goes to waste, redistributing ingredients and meals where they’re needed most.
Economy – Sheffield Food Chain supports local businesses by sourcing supplementary ingredients from small suppliers whenever possible, strengthening the local food economy.
Growing & Food Citizenship – Ethical sourcing and sustainability are at the heart of their operations. By prioritising organic, local produce and minimising waste, they’re helping Sheffield move towards a fairer, more sustainable food system.
Feeling inspired? Here’s how you can get involved:
Volunteer Your Time – Whether you’re a keen cyclist, a kitchen whizz, or just want to be part of something meaningful, Sheffield Food Chain is always looking for new hands on deck.
Shop Local – Supporting Sheffield’s independent food suppliers helps keep money in the community and promotes sustainable food practices.
Donate or Fundraise – Even the smallest contributions go a long way in keeping the wheels turning—literally!
Spread the Word – Follow them on social media (Instagram: @sheffieldfoodchain), share their work, and invite friends and family to cheer them on at the Sheffield Park Hill Uprise!
Sheffield Food Chain is about more than just serving meals; it’s focused on creating a community where delicious food, sustainability, and togetherness are important. So come out to support Sheffield Food Chain this year. Remember, while food is great for the body, being part of a community is what truly feeds the soul. To learn more about the event and this wonderful organisation, visit Sheffieldfoodchain.org.
