Just over three months ago, in early April, we launched the TouchPoint Community Food Share. We loved the idea of sharing produce that has reached the end of its shelf life but is still fresh and safe to eat and reducing food waste. We thought it would be perfect for the Stansted Community.
It has been an incredible time: the project has really taken off, surpassing all our expectations. The supermarkets Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Waitrose have been very supportive. We have been running regular food share sessions every Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday between 11am and 1pm. We are now sharing, completely free of charge, more than one tonne of fresh produce every week.
According to the organisation Fare Share UK, this is the equivalent of more than 25,000 meals. What an amazing statistic!
We have learnt so much over the first few months of this project, and are delighted that, thanks to the support of our volunteers and our local supermarkets, we are now able to extend the project to the weekend too. This means that people who usually work during the week can also take part and help to reduce food waste.
None of this would have been possible without our small army of volunteers who, late in the evening, collect surplus produce from local supermarkets, and also help us to run the food shares during the day.
Absolutely everyone is welcome at the TouchPoint Community Food Share, and we encourage you to take food for your less-mobile friends and neighbours too. We are open at Crafton Green House, CM24 8AQ on:
- Wednesdays 11am-1pm
- Thursdays 11am-1pm
- Fridays 11am-1pm
- Saturdays 11am-12pm
If you haven’t visited yet, perhaps this comment will inspire you!
“I have been visiting the TouchPoint Food Share regularly over the last couple of months. It has been great to be able to show my 2 year old some different foods that we would not normally buy and introduce her to different tastes. I would also add that all volunteers are very kind and chatty and have brightened up many a day!”