Our Family

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.

Andrew Dicker, Logistics Manager

With over 30 years’ experience in sales Andrew is keen to apply himself in his logistics role at UKHarvest to help the UK's food surplus be distributed to those who need it most. He is an articulate communicator and presenter with experience, knowledge and leadership in team management, volunteering and charity work. In recent years he has gained a wealth of knowledge in driver mentoring and safe food distribution. When Andrew is not working he enjoys taking his caravan around the UK and finding glass artwork.

 

Jonathon Cox, Operations Support

Passionate about community impact, J.C leads our Food Rescue and Redistribution service in Hampshire, as well as supporting our Community Food Hubs and Logistics department. With a diverse work portfolio, that includes setting up his own retail and hospitality businesses and leadership roles with high street brands, he brings a strong set of skills to drive positive change. He is now excited to apply his skills to support his community.

Read more about our Hampshire project here.

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.

Donna Martin, Community Engagement Manager - Fundraising

An experienced educator, Donna has worked in a variety of settings throughout her expansive career. Donna believes that collaboration with partners can enable more people to access education, which is the key to reducing food waste and better nutrition for all. Donna joined UKHarvest in 2021 and has already made a positive difference in our educational reach and community.

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.

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. 

 

Find Out More!