Foodshare scheme to prevent good food going to waste

Lindsay Milnes, Co-op Member Pioneer Co-ordinator

A foodshare scheme in Oldham is aiming to reduce food waste from supermarkets by allowing local groups to collect and make use of the products.

The scheme, introduced by the Co-op, is already operating in Oldham, with leftover quality food from local stores being used by community groups and projects.

Often, the food is simply close to its sell-by date, or has a relatively short shelf life and needs to be consumed.

Oldham Foodbank and Chadderton Community Church are two of the groups that are taking advantage of the scheme, and Lindsay Milnes, Co-op Member Pioneer Co-ordinator for Oldham, Rochdale and Manchester is keen for other groups or organisations to come forward.

“The food is often used in community pantries, breakfast clubs, or soup kitchens.” she told the Chronicle.  “Schools have also signed up to collect food, which they then pass on to needy families.”

“The Foodshare items are usually fresh or fridge items, or produce that may be running out of date that day.  It’s a scheme that helps others, and also combats food waste.”

As part of her role, Lindsay is responsible for connecting and communicating with communities and “be catalysts for a fairer world”.

“We join with Co-op store and Funeralcare colleagues to help support Access to Food, Access to Wellbeing, Giving young people a voice and Biodiversity and tackling climate change.” she added.

Earlier this year, Lindsay was key to promoting the Co-op’s ‘Local Community Fund’ which supports local projects and organisations in achieving some of those objectives.

For every one pound spent on Co-op products in stores, 2p will be distributed via the fund.  The fund currently supports a number of projects withing Oldham.  Whilst the applications for this year are now closed, the window to apply is opened regularly.  You can find out more by clicking here.

If you would like to get involved in the Co-op Foodshare scheme and partner with a local store, you can find details on their website here.

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