Positive Community Foodshare is an inspiring initiative that tackles food waste head on.
By collecting surplus food items from local supermarkets (currently Devizes Lidl and Pewsey’s Co-op) and distributing it within the community, Foodshare prevents perfectly good food from ending up in landfills.
Volunteers play a crucial role in this effort. Kate, a dedicated volunteer, emphasizes the impact of their work: “Volunteering at [PCA ] Foodshare has opened my eyes to the reality of food waste today. Without our teams of volunteers from Foodshare, along with other charities, all of this would be sent to landfill. Every day. The sheer scale of this waste should be enough to shock anyone into action“.
The food received primarily comes from bakery leftovers, including bread, pastries, and other baked goods. Additionally, we receive regular supplies of fruits, vegetables and frozen foods when supermarkets change their product lines or clear their freezers for seasonal adjustments.
On the morning of Foodshare operations, volunteers collect the food and set it out on tables in Wesley Hall, Pewsey. Frozen food is carefully stored in freezer bags with ice packs, some of which are displayed for customers to see. Any leftovers are either replenished or returned to the freezer.
Despite the challenge of advertising due to the unpredictable availability of food, Foodshare relies on social media and word of mouth to spread the word. Locals appreciate this service, often finding something useful during the operating hours (10-11am).
By encouraging visitors to bring their own bags, Foodshare ensures minimal waste. Any rare leftovers are shared with local businesses, passing trades persons or animal owners, such as pig farmers. Thanks to Foodshare, no food is wasted, and the community benefits from this thoughtful initiative.
The introduction of ‘Grab Boxes’ to Positive Community Foodshare is another brilliiant initiative! These boxes consist of supermarket items that they can’t sell due to damaged outer packaging or missing/damaged items from multipacks.
By repurposing these surplus items, the Grab Boxes serve a dual purpose: they prevent waste and raise funds. The proceeds from selling these boxes help replenish stock items such as coffee which is not regularly donated and that is particularly appreciated by customers who rely on Pantry Packs. It’s great to see items such as this to be finding their way into these thoughtful boxes.
The Grab Boxes not only contribute to sustainability but also foster community support. Kudos to Positive Community Foodshare team for their innovative approach.
Positive Community Foodshare’s commitment to both sustainability and community support is truly commendable. Let’s break down the wonderful aspects of this initiative:
Grab Boxes:
These boxes, composed of supermarket items are marked with suggested donation prices which are significantly lower that the supermarket price. These non-essential items generate funds specifically earmarked for Pantry Pack stock.
Pantry Packs (BURP):
BURP (Box of Useful Resources for Pantries) is a lifeline for those facing financial difficulties. These boxes contain essential grocery and sanitary items, and sometimes even pet food. No referral is needed – just a genuine need for assistance.
If you’re struggling, consider signing up for a Pantry Pack to stock up your larder.
Beyond Food Waste:
While Foodshare primarily aims to combat food waste, it also serves as a valuable resource for households struggling to put food on the table.
Visitors can find treats like doughnuts and pastries, as well as essentials like bread, fruit and vegetables.
The Foodshare team is there to guide you through signing up for BURP. It’s a collaborative effort – you help your community and they help you.
Thank you for making a positive impact and fostering a sense of community care.
Operating Days and Food Collection:
Our main operating days are Monday and Thursdays, when we collect food from both Lidl and Co-op. Additionally on Fridays and Saturdays we offer food from Co-op when available. These Foodshare days run alongside our Friendship Cafe and Community Meals/BURP dispatch days.
Encouraging Donations:
While the food we provide is free, we have donation jars available and encourage those who can to donate. These donations help us to cover essential costs such as hall rent and fuel for our volunteers.
Sustainability Efforts:
Self-sufficiency and sustainability are key to keeping PCA running smoothly. To stay as green as possible, our collection volunteers often do their own shopping during collection trips, which helps reduce fuel usage and costs.
Thanks for your continued support…
