Yvonne Thomson, CEO, UKHarvest
Yvonne Thomson is a highly experienced social, economic and physical regeneration specialist, qualified in community education and gaining a post graduate in Housing studies form Stirling University and Master of Philosophy in Urban Policy. She has worked tirelessly on behalf of those who are socially excluded and have no voice, opportunity or choice in life. She has worked in the public, voluntary and private sectors.
Yvonne believes that only through joint working and alliance that we will solve food poverty in the U.K. She sees an intrinsic link between homelessness and food poverty and seeks to provide a solution. Yvonne sees education as the answer to tackling food waste and UKHarvest will work with consumers and everyone right along the supply chain to tackle food waste. The harvest model of food rescue will help provide the solution as part of a four-pillar approach of rescue; education; engagement and innovation. Yvonne began founding UKHarvest in mid 2016.
Simon Thresher, Operations and Compliance Manager
Simon has over 15 years operational management experience within the catering and hospitality industry, working with multinational corporations. His knowledge of catering from the inside, and wealth of operational experience, has allowed Simon to develop and enhance the impact of UKHarvest. Dedicated to delivery Simon has extended the boundaries of the logistical reach to encompass 7 counties along the south coast helping to support up to 175 different organisations every week.
Nigel Boshein, Community Food Hubs
With experience from a varied background, from public service to therapy, Nigel brings huge positive energy and a smile to our community food hubs. He has loved being at the heart of the local community.
Sarah White, Kitchen Manager
Sarah runs our busy and vibrant training kitchen at our Donnington Hub. In her early career, Sarah trained as a Home Economist and Food Stylist. After working in food publishing for several years, she has written and styled cookery books on various genres from Greek Meze, Cake Decorating to Kids Cooking. After starting her own family, she and her husband set up Fun Food Academy to teach children and young people how to cook. Sarah loves to be able to pass on her passion for simple, healthy, cost-effective cooking combined with her joy of teaching vulnerable people in our community how to cook and eat better on a budget.
Andrew Meredith, Business Support Manager
Experienced in marketing for non-profits, Andrew has used his career to develop communities through culture, wellbeing, and the arts. Joining the team in the summer of 2020, Andrew has increased UKHarvest’s impact by reaching new communities and developing existing relations with innovative opportunities.
Helen Conway, Finance Officer
Helen has most recently worked in Schools in Finance and previously in the classroom, she also has varied experience running her own business and last worked in food as a Buyer. In her spare time she enjoys cooking, travelling, various crafts and spending time with family and friends. She was first drawn to UKHarvest during the pandemic and how much they helped the local schools and wider community.
Natasha McKean, Office Administrator and Marketing Assistant
After finishing a two-year creative college course in 2021, Natasha is a fresh young face at UKHarvest. With new ideas, Natasha applies her knowledge to help out the team with website management, content creation, adiministration, and more. In her own time Natasha enjoys sketching and painting as well as going on walks and playing video games.
Will Wallace, Policy and Research Officer
Since joining the team in April 2023, Will has introduced new systems to monitor and evaluate our social impact. He holds a postgraduate degree in Public Policy from Edinburgh University and is determined to find sustainable solutions to the problems caused by food insecurity and social isolation.
Logistics
Our logistics staff are integral to our operation. This group of hard-working indivduals work in our warehouse and on the roads, driving our vans to ensure the UK's surplus food is delivered to those who need it most.
The Nourish Hub
Opened in Autumn 2021 and located in London, the Nourish Hub is a space for the whole community to come together, eat well, and learn essential skills for life. Lunch is served daily by a team of decidated chefs and served to those who dine-in and to their meals-on-wheels audience. The entire hub is run by devoted staff members and volunteers.
