Siobhan Gallagher began volunteering with FareShare NI over 15 years ago, not long after the organisation started operating. Having taken early retirement, she was looking for something meaningful to do with her time.
“I can’t quite remember how I heard about FareShare – maybe an advert in the paper – but I came along for an interview and have been here ever since,” she says. “That was right at the very beginning, when FareShare had just started making deliveries.”
A Typical Day in the Warehouse
Today, Siobhan is a key part of the warehouse team. “I usually start by checking what food has come in – looking at dates, sorting through crates, getting a sense of what’s available and where it’s stored,” she explains. “Then we get the orders from the office and work in teams – some on chilled food, some on ambient. We pick, pack, label and prepare everything for delivery.”
By the end of a typical day, hundreds of crates have been filled, labelled, and stacked for delivery to community groups, hostels, and charities across Northern Ireland.
Teamwork and Purpose
For Siobhan, it’s not just about moving food – it’s about the people she works with.
“It’s nice to meet others and have that bit of craic. Most of us do the same day each week, so we’ve become a real team,” she says.
She’s proud of the scale of FareShare’s impact. “People might not realise how much food we deliver every week. It’s huge. All of it’s perfectly good food that might otherwise go to landfill. Originally, FareShare was a waste-diversion project – but over time it became just as much about tackling poverty because the need was so clear.”
Finding Meaning in the Work
Over the years, Siobhan’s role has evolved. She’s worked both on the warehouse floor and in the office, making calls to community food members. “I enjoyed talking to the same people each week and getting to know them,” she says. “But after Covid, I came back to the warehouse and found I loved being hands-on.”
She finds satisfaction in the immediacy of the work. “I feel my day’s been productive – I can see the results of what I’ve done. It’s not long-term impact; it’s right there in front of you. You know it’s helping people.”
The Benefits of Giving Back
Volunteering has also brought personal rewards. “I’ve learned so much about the food industry – something totally different from what I did before. And it gives structure to my week. It’s not all give; there’s take too,” she admits. “You meet new people, learn new skills, and it keeps you active and connected.”
A Message to Future Volunteers
Siobhan also had some advice for anyone considering volunteering. “Give it a go,” Siobhan says with a smile. “You don’t need to know anything about food or logistics – people here will show you. You work as a team, and there’s always a bit of banter. It’s friendly, rewarding, and you really do make a difference.”
If you’d like to volunteer with us you can find out more here.
