Saving and sharing surplus food in Exeter

Exeter Food Action (EFA) is the city’s project for the Devon and Cornwall Food Association, which aims to prevent good food from going to waste. 

Through volunteers it collects or receives produce from retailers and suppliers and then redistributes this to local charities and communities in the Exeter area.

In 2015 over 25,000 kilos of surplus food was diverted from landfill or incineration and benefitted community groups to the sum of £71,000.  In addition, it saved 12 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions.

Recipient groups in the city include St. Petrock’s Centre, St. Sidwell’s, Soup Kitchens, Exeter Food Bank and Exeter Hospice.  Some of the principal food retailers who pass on their excess products are Waitrose, Aldi, Rod & Ben’s and Spar.

As part of Fairtrade Fortnight, on Saturday 5th March Exeter Food Action will be holding a stall at Bedford Square and collecting in-date food donations in exchange for free Fairtrade hot drinks.  Members of the public are welcome to participate in this food exchange and meet our volunteers. All food received will be passed on to local charities.

EFA is chaired by former County Councillor Saxon Spence. She said, “food poverty and food justice are some of the biggest challenges our world faces at this time. Fair trade and food rescue are two really good examples of making a positive difference to the lives of thousands of people locally and globally”.

Exeter Food Action is supported by local churches, councils, South West Water and others.

For further information see:   www.devonandcornwallfoodassociation.org