Food hubs receive another year of funding

The scheme, run in partnership with UKHarvest, started in October 2022

Seven community food hubs will continue for another year thanks to funding from the local county council.

The West Sussex hubs, which started as a six-month pilot in October 2022, have been extended until April 2026.

The scheme, run in partnership with Sussex-based food rescue charity UKHarvest, redistributes surplus food from suppliers while educating residents on food waste prevention.

Deborah Urquhart, West Sussex County Council's cabinet member for environment and climate change, said: "We're proud to support this valuable service, helping residents access good-quality food that would otherwise go to waste."

The hubs set up once a month in each district and borough across West Sussex, and for a voluntary donation of £5, residents can access a selection of surplus food.

No referrals are needed and all residents are welcome to visit the hubs, which also provide advice and recipe ideas.

The hubs have stopped more than 94 tonnes of food from going to waste since April 2023, the council said.

Nigel Boshein, UKHarvest's community food hubs manager, said the council-funded pop-ups also meant an extra 1,136 people could receive food each month.

Follow BBC Sussex on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to [e-mail] or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.