Saving food and supporting the community

An Exeter charity has just set a new record in its work to prevent good food from being wasted and to support local community organisations across the city.

Devon and Cornwall Food Association, based in South Street, rescued over six tonnes of edible produce in December 2014, bringing the total saved last year to over 26,000 kilos. 

Through its work with volunteers, in-date foodstuffs which are destined for landfill or incineration are collected daily and stored temporarily.

They are then re-distributed to dozens of community groups which support some of the most vulnerable people in Devon.  Recipients include School Breakfast Clubs, Homelessness centres, Foodbanks, Hostels, Hospices and Soup Kitchens in and around Exeter.

Secretary Martyn Goss said: “These totals surpass our previous records and demonstrate how we can make such a positive difference by intervention in the food supply system.” 

Former county councillor Saxon Spence, who chairs the Exeter project, pointed out that “DCFA is also making economic savings to local charities of over £80,000.  This means these agencies can spend hard-earned money on other parts of their work”. 

By redirecting food away from the waste stream, DCFA also helps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions which influence climate change.

DCFA works in Exeter, Plymouth and Lostwithiel and was established in 2011 with the support of churches, Environment Agency and Local Authorities in the two counties.  Further information can be found on its website 
www.devonandcornwallfoodassociation.org/