Lidl Mexborough

Food AWARE CIC was established in 2008 in Doncaster, South Yorkshire. AWARE stands for 'Alternative to Waste And Re-use Enterprise). We currently work with over 50 community-based organisations across South Yorkshire (largely located in Doncaster and Rotherham areas). We collect/receive edible surplus food made available to us via local supermarkets, farms, wholesalers, food discounters, allotments, donations etc and redistribute to those in need via trusted local community partners e.g. churches, foodbanks, soup kitchens, luncheon clubs, youth cafes etc. We also educate on food labelling e.g. 'Best Before' vs 'Use By' dates, Eat Well Plate, Love Food Hate Waste, Change4Life etc. We provide numerous training and volunteering opportunities e.g. drivers, warehouse operatives, administration, foodbank volunteers etc. Our motto is #FeedPeopleNotLandfill!

Cortonwood Comeback Community Centre was established in 1986 by members of the local community who recognised the need to tackle the problems of unemployment, exclusion and disadvantage in Brampton Bierlow and surrounding areas in the aftermath of the miner’s strike. Our Centre has always been run and managed by volunteers. Throughout our history, it has never had a paid manager and many of our groups are run by volunteers who give their time and expertise freely to the Community Centre. The Centre aims to help overcome the inequalities and lack of access to services that have a direct impact on the lives of the elderly, young people, and those on low incomes. We aim to advance education and provide facilities for recreation and leisure time, with the objective of improving people’s quality of life Providing a community service that’s needs-led, we adapt services to the needs of the community at any given time. We work in partnership with organisations RMBC, VAR, Fareshare, South Yorkshire Police, Dearne Valley College, Job Centre Plus, Elected Members, WEA and Serenity Training Academy. We offer a wide range of activities, advice and support services which are run by qualified staff and volunteers or delivered by our partners these include: Meals on Wheels Food Bank Benefit and debt Advice Housing support and advice Support with Employment, Job Search and Training CV Writing Fun and educational courses and activities Senior and Junior Youth Clubs Girls Group Youth Drama Group Senior Citizens Group Lunch Club Messy Monsters Toddler Group Breakfast, Tea & Toast Club Knit & Knatter Coffee & Crafts Men in Sheds Project The services that we offer an often free or low cost so that they are accessible to the local community.

Food Rescue Group, Sheffield takes a practical, community-led approach to tackling food waste and promoting sustainable living across the city. In an era shaped by climate change, resource scarcity, and ecological imbalance, the Sheffield initiative is both timely and essential. A central focus of our work is addressing food waste, a major issue that results in the unnecessary loss of valuable resources and contributes significantly to methane emissions from landfill. Tackling this challenge is both an environmental necessity and a moral responsibility, as redistributing surplus food can provide vital support to local families and individuals. We work closely with local producers and retailers to ensure surplus food is used rather than wasted. These partnerships help businesses reduce disposal costs while delivering measurable environmental benefits for the wider community. Pickup and distribution in Sheffield are coordinated by Joseph Ukkan, who oversees volunteer scheduling, manages collections, and ensures rescued food is delivered promptly to where it is most needed. His leadership helps maintain efficiency, safety, and a strong community focus across all operations. The initiative is powered by dedicated local volunteers who collect and redistribute surplus food shortly after it becomes available. This rapid turnaround ensures freshness, removes the need for storage, and supports the highest standards of food safety and quality. Every item is carefully inspected, and any unsuitable food is disposed of responsibly to minimise environmental impact. Coordination is managed through a dedicated WhatsApp group, providing volunteers with real-time updates on collection schedules, locations, and available quantities. This efficient communication system enables fast responses and ensures the smooth operation of rescue and redistribution efforts. By diverting large quantities of food from landfill, the Food Rescue Group, Sheffield significantly reduces methane emissions and resource waste. The initiative not only supports those in immediate need but is open to anyone who recognises the importance of valuing food and preventing waste. By engaging a broad cross-section of the community, the group fosters a shared commitment to sustainability and responsible consumption. As the group continues to refine its strategies and expand local engagement, it is making meaningful progress towards a more sustainable and inclusive future. Join us in Sheffield and help make a difference, one meal, one volunteer, and one community at a time.