Stapleford food bank saves one million meals going to waste

The group collects a variety of food from supermarkets

A Nottinghamshire food charity says it has saved more than one million meals' worth of food from going to waste.

The Stapleford Food Project (SFP) has provided surplus food to local communities for the last eight years, with more than 30 local groups in Broxtowe benefitting from the project.

The group collects surplus food from local supermarkets to make sure they do not go to waste.

A spokesperson said: "We can build a future where no one goes hungry."

Richard MacRae (left), the founder of the trust, with volunteer Caroline Alfred (right)

Founder of SFP, Richard MacRae, says the figures make a nice read but the main target is to help the community.

"I can't even imagine what a million meals looks like but we try and help everyone we can," said Mr MacRae.

"We're grateful to the supermarkets and the suppliers. We'll never know the true reach of how far the food goes because people have different needs.

"It's about educating people too and showing them what they can make using the food they get. It takes it back to the old days in many ways- just need some pink custard to go with the sponge."

'It helps so many people'

Alison Mitchell, 52, is a local volunteer and resident of Stapleford.

She said: "I think it's great that everybody shares. Everyone sticks together in this community. It's a huge weight off the shoulders having this on our doorstep with food available if and when we need it".

Caroline Alfred, 56, a volunteer at the trust, added: "Times are really hard at the moment. Hopefully this group can go from strength to strength.

"We have a lot of people that need it and are most grateful. We just try to reach as far and wide as we can within the area. It just helps so many people".