Tackling food waste
In the UK, around 15 million tonnes of food is thrown away every year. Almost 50% of this comes from our homes; the rest from manufacturing, retail, hospitality, food service, litter and wholesale sources (1).
With many people on low incomes struggling to afford food bills and demand at food banks on the rise, finding ways to reduce food waste is vital.
This week has seen the launch of two initiatives to address food waste issues. A food waste supermarket has opened in Pudsey, near Leeds, and London's Evening Standard newspaper has launched a food waste campaign.
Food waste supermarket
Food waste campaigners from a new charity called the Real Junk Food Project have opened a store on the Grangefield Industrial Estate in Pudsey, near Leeds. Customers are invited to shop for food thrown out by supermarkets and other businesses on a 'pay as you feel basis.
The Real Junk Food Project plans to open similar stores in every city in the UK, according to founder Adam Smith, who is a professional chef of over 10 years experience. Sheffield and Bradford stores are next on the agenda. The charity also runs 'pay as you feel' cafes in the UK, Europe and Australia.
See the Real Junk Food Project website for more information
Evening Standard's Food for London campaign
London's Evening Standard newspaper has launched a Food for London campaign is working with the Felix Project Charity - set up in memory of Felix Byam Shaw who died in 2014 aged just 14 - to collect food thrown away by stores and suppliers and give it to the hungry.
See the Felix Project website for more information
Read more about the Evening Standard's Food for London campaign
Turn2us services
If you are struggling financially, you can use the free Turn2us Benefits Calculator to check your benefits entitlements. Even if you have checked before, it is worth checking again, especially if there has been a change in your circumstances.
You can also check if you are eligible for a charitable grant or other support by using the Turn2us Grants Search.
If you need face-to-face advice, you can use the Turn2us Find an Adviser tool to locate advisers in your local area.
You may also find it helpful to look at the Your Situation section on our website. This includes information on Emergency Assistance.
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