Community shop boosted by influx of strawberries

Founder Vicky Zadeh says the huge influx of strawberries is linked to the time of year

A community shop which 'rescues' surplus food has been given a boost after receiving a huge influx of summer berries.

The Vital Village community shop in Thames Ditton sells surplus food to the community at discounted prices from various places, including supermarkets and warehouses.

Earlier this week the shop received "about 3,000 berries" from partners including Marks & Spencer, Waitrose and Sainsbury's.

The shop's founder, Vicky Zadeh, says the inundation of strawberries has proven "super popular".

She said: "They are bringing people from far and wide from around Thames Ditton. Many haven't even seen us or used us before - and it's changing the perception of what we do."

The community shop forms part of a community centre leased to Vital Village last year.

Ms Zadeh said the shop provides food for anyone, "whether your reason is from a financial perspective, or whether you want to rescue some food and do your bit for the environment".

Volunteer Alison Barnett says that "we've had every pun on berry that you can imagine" this week

The shop is run by almost 90 volunteers, including Alison Barnett, who said interest has been "phenomenal" since the berries arrived.

She said: "We've had people who say, 'well I've lived in Thames Ditton for so many years and I didn't know you were here until the berries news got out'."

An M&S spokesperson said: "We work closely with our suppliers to reduce food waste at source and in-store, through our partnership with redistribution platform Neighbourly - making sure any edible surplus food reaches those who need it most in the community.

"Last weekend, we had more strawberries left than usual so our team donated them."

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