University recognised for plan to cut food waste

The university said it was aiming to demonstrate the importance of sustainable food and farming

An agricultural university in Shropshire has been shortlisted for awards for striving to cut food waste.

Harper Adams University said it was aiming to demonstrate the importance of sustainable food and farming, including within its catering team.

The team uses as much of the on-site Future Farm's produce as possible. There is also a community fridge, introduced in 2024, which is managed by volunteers who collect surplus food which would otherwise go to waste.

The university is shortlisted in two categories in the Waste2Zero awards, with winners set to be announced at a ceremony in London on 20 November.

"Sustainable food production is at the heart of studies at Harper Adams, so it is even more important that we practice what we teach," said David Nuttall, head of catering and retail at the university.

The catering team uses pork, beef, honey, strawberries and milk from the farm, with surplus food distributed to staff and students. Live-streaming allows people to see what is available at any particular point, the university states.

Dr Iona Huang, reader in the Harper Adams Business School, said: "The Community Fridge not only raises awareness of food surplus and waste issues in the food supply chain - but also provides valuable support to students and staff who may need a little extra help.

"This collective effort truly reflects our commitment to making sustainability inclusive and practical."