Shrewsbury’s surplus food finds its way onto neighbours’ plates

A bag of food that might have been thrown away can make the week a little easier. In Shrewsbury, volunteers collect surplus from supermarkets, farms and manufacturers, then deliver it to community groups and neighbourhood food tables.

Shrewsbury Food Hub says it rescued 272 tonnes last year. In new BBC reporting, regular visitor Peter Hampton describes the difference to his budget, and how bringing his grandchildren prompted a lesson about food waste at their school.

The hub’s collection guidance says everyone is welcome. Food is free, with a suggested donation to help cover costs; what is available changes with each day’s surplus.

Keeping the vans, depot and staff going costs nearly £500,000 a year. A £60,000 council grant, spread over three years, helps but covers only part of that work.

That daily organisation is what turns unwanted stock into something useful. Residents can take home bread, fruit or other groceries, saving money while giving good food a chance to be eaten.

Sources

• BBC — volunteers, visitors and the hub’s operating costs
• Shrewsbury Food Hub — who can collect food and how it works
• Shrewsbury Food Hub — weekly Food Share venues