A pioneering initiative delivering food to vulnerable residents in Southwark has been launched this week.
Food Connect will redistribute surplus food from supermarkets to people across the borough in a bid to help with rising living costs and tackle food waste.
It is estimated that more than 300,000 meals could be shared annually thanks to the initiative, which has been funded by charity Hubbub, Southwark Council and the London Mayor.
“This is such a common-sense approach to addressing so many modern-day issues and echoes a time when we could more easily knock on a neighbour’s door to share food, offer a helping hand, or where someone could ask for help if they were in need – it is how a community should be,” said Cllr Evelyn Akoto, cabinet member for health and wellbeing at Southwark Council.
“The fact that this expanded service means that shops and supermarkets will reduce waste and that the project supports environmental sustainability is all the better,” she added.
The food will be shared with residents, via the Albrighton Community Centre in Camberwell. Retailers Sainsbury’s, the COOP, Marks & Spenser and Lidl have already signed up for the scheme.
Electric vans and e-bikes will be used by Food Connect to ensure items are delivered to locals “quickly” and “efficiently”, rather than being thrown away.
The launch of the low-carbon redistribution service in Southwark follows a successful pilot in Milton Keynes, where in the first year 240 tonnes of good food was saved from waste.
Fifty per cent of this was fruit and veg, allowing locals to access a greater volume and variety of foods.
Albrighton Community Centre will be the hub of the new project as it already supports around 400 local residents a week, including running vaccination drives and providing citizens advice. Its community fridge allows anyone to exchange or pick up food that would otherwise go to waste.
The centre hopes Food Connect’s support will free up their time to pursue other projects that help tackle loneliness, promote learning new skills and healthy eating, alongside identifying other local groups in need of support.
They have also pointed out the environmental boons of the scheme.
Switching to an e-van will result in transport efficiencies and carbon savings, with food collections previously being done by volunteers in their own cars.
The fully electric service in Milton Keynes resulted in estimated transport emission savings of 8 tonnes in the first year
The Albrighton Community Centre currently shares up to eight tonnes of food each month and the local coordinators have seen an increase in visitors as the cost of living crisis is starting to bite.
“The demand for Albrighton Community Centre’s services skyrocketed during the pandemic, and our amazing volunteers worked tirelessly to provide support and food to people who need it,” said Jackie Mustoe, manager at the centre.
“This is a very exciting time for us.”