We have some wonderful news to share. The TouchPoint Community Food Share is now reaching 500 households per week. That’s a 20% increase on last year’s figures. It’s a number worth pausing to celebrate, and a testament to the work that goes into running this project week in, week out.

For those who haven’t come across the project before, the TouchPoint Community Food Share collects produce from local supermarkets (including Co-op, Sainsbury’s, Tesco and Waitrose) that would otherwise go to waste, and distributes it across the community. All items are free and no referral is needed: it’s just good food finding good homes. All you need to bring is a bag.

The project runs across our local area, with sessions taking place throughout the week in Stansted, Saffron Walden, Takeley, Elsenham and Wimbish. Whether it’s a Thursday morning at the Old School House in Takeley or a Saturday at Crafton Green, there’s something available most days for those who’d like to come along. You can see the full timetable here.

Reaching 500 households a week is a meaningful milestone. It reflects not only growing awareness of the project, but also the very real difference it makes to families and individuals in the local area. The variety on offer – from fresh vegetables and fruit to baked goods and even cut flowers – means that what people take home is genuinely useful.

None of this happens without a great deal of effort behind the scenes. Huge thanks are due to the volunteers who give their time so generously, and to the local supermarkets and producers whose support makes the whole thing possible.

If you haven’t visited a Community FoodShare yet, you’re warmly welcome to come along: it’s open to absolutely everyone. And if you’d like to get involved as a volunteer, the team would love to hear from you at volunteer@thetouchpoint.org.