M&S Ocean Retail Park Portsmouth

15 Million tonnes of food waste hits landfill every year in the UK, all whilst 13 million of the UK population live in poverty. The Trash Cafe CIC collect food from supermarkets, restaurants, stall holders and others that may have been heading to landfill. This includes food that may be misshaped, part of a split multi pack, items past their best before date or items that are coming up to or on their use by date. We then, with our volunteers and staff create a shop like environment. We offer hampers of fresh and nourishing food for families that feed around 4 people for 3-4 days worth of meals. These are priced to help support running costs but we also give a huge amount away for free to families struggling with food poverty. The best part about the project is people can pay as they feel for the food. This means they can pay in time, cash or skills or item donations for what the feel the meal was worth. Time and skills can include but is not limited too, washing up, helping at a fundraising event, helping tidy up at the end of the evening, collections, picking up rubbish or even lending skills to our suppliers. The pay as you feel basis, creates a community where 'cash' poor is no longer a stigma and it opens up opportunities and helps reduce loneliness. The project is pretty much a win all round :)

Our message is ‘no space for waste’. Our mission is to reduce great food ending up in landfill. we run three days a week from a community centre where people can access the food and also stay for tea, coffee and company.

We want to continue to supply families and individuals that can't afford basic food and hygiene provisions for themselves through circumstances beyond their control. This is done through a referral process with recognised organisations. We hope to provide them with a weeks worth of food.