A kind-hearted nan has been named a regional hero. Jan Backstrom, 63, described feeling "lonely" and "depressed" after her son and his family moved to the other end of the country.
Needing something to spark joy in her life she started searching for "local opportunities" and found FoodCycle. She then spent the next eight years volunteering at its Dingle community hub, turning surplus food that would otherwise go to waste into tasty three-course meals for anyone who wants them - helping tackle hunger, loneliness and food waste.
FoodCycle is a charitable organization based in the United Kingdom that uses excess food donated by supermarkets, shops and food banks to create vegetarian meals served at 'free community restaurants.'
Jan, from Dingle, said: "When my only son and his family moved down south for work, I needed something to occupy my time. I went online and searched for local opportunities and found FoodCycle, which I knew it was for me, as I love cooking."
The nan, continued: "I also love the fact that we use food that would be destined for landfill. It's like 'Ready Steady Cook' as we get a delivery and have to make up the menu on the evening we are cooking, it's brilliant and sometimes challenging."
She turned her passion for cooking and chatting into a way to help others and has now been dubbed "one in a million," as she won a volunteering award for helping serve thousands of free meals for local people.
Jan says volunteering has also been a boost for her mental health, lifting her spirits with community and friendship after experiencing depression and loneliness. Now she wants to encourage more people to get involved.
She has now been named north west winner of FoodCycle's Regional Volunteer of the Year Awards 2025, which is run in partnership with the Marsh Charitable Trust. The awards celebrate the exceptional dedication, kindness, and commitment of FoodCycle volunteers who go above and beyond to support their local communities.
Jan, who started volunteering in 2017, said: "I feel a little overwhelmed actually, so proud. I see it as an award for all the Dingle FoodCycle volunteers. We all work as a team, we have such a loyal caring core group of regular volunteers. We all put our heart and soul into it."
She said volunteering with the charity has also helped her in personal life. Jan said: "I've met some really good new friends from all walks of life. It's helped with my depression. As the other volunteers know, I love to laugh and talk, but I live alone, the silence is endless, and I have to make up for it when I'm out and about.
"FoodCycle is something I look forwards to every week, because it gets me out, and I know I'm going to see people and have some company. When I know Wednesday is coming I look forward to it, and I start thinking about ideas for what we can cook.
"It lifts my spirits, and when I go home afterwards, I feel on cloud nine, because I've done something good. We've fed people, we've sat down, and enjoyed their company, so yeah, it's, it's really good. And it's a good laugh too, I've made friends, and we have fun."
Jan was nominated by her fellow volunteers and FoodCycle guests, who praised her amazing generosity helping guests and volunteers to feel welcome, describing her as "the spirit of FoodCycle" and "One in a million".
One said: "Jan goes above & beyond: always remembering guests birthdays, buying decorations for holidays, engaging with guests even when cooking... The list is endless!"
Another person said: "Jan is a wonderful cook," adding: "Jan is adored by our guests, she knows every guest by name and always makes time to speak to everyone. She is at the heart of the Foodcycle Dingle community and the whole team would be lost without her. As a team leader, she makes both guests & volunteers feel valued & appreciated."
"Without Jan Foodcycle Dingle wouldn't be what it is. A truly amazing, selfless human being, who cares about everyone equally, whether it be the guests or volunteers," one added.
And, another said: "Jan never fails to amaze us with the amazing food she makes. While managing the kitchen she always has time to talk to the guests to make sure everyone enjoyed their meal. Jan goes above and beyond in every aspect."
FoodCycle CEO Sophie Tebbets said: "Congratulations to Jan and all our FoodCycle Regional Volunteer of the Year Award winners. Our volunteers' passion, generosity, and commitment make a real difference, helping us bring community meals to thousands of people each week. We simply couldn't do it without them.
"We're grateful to The Marsh Charitable Trust for partnering with us on these awards to recognise and reward our amazing volunteers. Their dedication shows the power of community to create positive change."
Jan serves food every Wednesday at 7pm at St Cleopas Church, Mill Street in Liverpool. Weekly community meals are also run on Tuesdays at FoodCycle Bootle, in St Matthew's Church on Stanley Road, and on Thursdays at FoodCycle Tuebrook & Old Swan, at the Old Library on Green Lane.