A WOMAN from Riding Mill took part in a challenge last month to raise money to help tackle food poverty.

Linda Lee Humble took part in national food charity FoodCycle’s challenge in April, the FoodCycle 50 Challenge.

The challenge saw participants set a 30-day fitness target around the number 50 – from cycling 50 miles per week to 50 star jumps a day.

Money raised will enable FoodCycle to provide nutritious meals to local communities.

Linda, a food stylist, has decided to support the cause by completing at least 50 minutes of exercise each day, whilst walking her dog Barney, playing tennis or practicing yoga.

So far, she has raised over £100.

Linda has volunteered with FoodCycle in Newcastle for two years, and said the charity do an “amazing job”.

Before the Covid-19 pandemic, FoodCycle volunteers took surplus food that would otherwise be thrown away and turned it into nutritious community three-course meals, with the aim of reducing food waste, food poverty and tackling social isolation.

According to FoodCycle, in the UK, an estimated 12 million tonnes of food is wasted each year whilst four million people are affected by food poverty.

“I am passionate that food should not be wasted,” Linda said.

She added: “You can cook nutritious meals with very simple food.”

The meals were open to all.

“What I liked about this project is that we sit down with them,” Linda said.

“I love talking to people.”

Due to the coronavirus outbreak and government guidelines on social distancing, FoodCycle adapted to delivering food parcels and they also provide a Cook and Collect takeaway service.

To help combat social isolation, they also launched their Check-in and Chat service, where volunteers call guests for a weekly chat.

The charity said they will return to their community meals as soon as it is safe to do so.

FoodCycle CEO Mary McGrath MBE said: “We are thrilled to be launching our first ever challenge event this year, just in time for the promise of spring and the cautious relaxing of lockdown restrictions.

“We hope FoodCycle 50 not only raises vital funds to help us continue to tackle food poverty and loneliness in communities around the country, but brings a little light hearted relief and uplifting activity after a challenging year.

“A very special thank you Linda for taking on this challenge in support of FoodCycle.”

To donate, visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/linda-lee11