Lidl Crowthorne

Food Rescue Group, Reading addresses one of today’s most pressing environmental and social challenges: food waste. Perfectly edible food is often thrown away, wasting valuable resources and contributing to climate change through methane emissions from landfill. At the same time, many households face financial pressures that make access to affordable, healthy food increasingly difficult. By rescuing surplus food, the group tackles both issues at once, reducing waste while sharing good food across the community. In Reading, the group works closely with local supermarkets and retailers to collect food that would otherwise go unused. Importantly, volunteers pick up surplus food at times when charities are unable to collect, ensuring these opportunities are not lost. Volunteers use what they need within their own households and share the rest with friends, colleagues, neighbours, churches, and community centres, so that nothing is wasted. All food is distributed completely free of charge. The work is powered by a dedicated team of volunteers, including local residents, community group members, and students, who ensure food is collected and redistributed shortly after it becomes available. This rapid turnaround helps maintain freshness, supports food safety standards, and removes the need for long-term storage. Any food unsuitable for human consumption is disposed of responsibly to minimise environmental impact. Pickup and coordination are led by Vasiliki Tsioligka, Kay K, Preeti Chadda, and Erma Dyall, who oversee collections, manage schedules, and ensure surplus food is distributed as soon as possible. Their leadership keeps the process organised, efficient, and firmly community-focused. Day-to-day operations are supported through a dedicated WhatsApp group, providing real-time updates on collection times, locations, and available quantities. This system enables quick responses, effective coordination, and smooth distribution. The impact is immediate and tangible. Every kilogram of food rescued reduces greenhouse gas emissions, conserves resources, and provides meals that bring people together. Beyond the numbers, the initiative strengthens community connections, builds resilience, and encourages a shared commitment to sustainability. As the group continues to grow, its vision remains clear: small, consistent actions can lead to lasting change. In Reading, that change is already happening, one meal, one volunteer, and one community at a time.

We offer free hot meals and a safe place for people who are homeless, lonely or in need. Open seven nights a week from 10pm to 8am during November to May Dinner served at 10.30pm, breakfast served at 7.am Summer opening 7pm to 10pm most nights (no overnights) An opportunity to respond to the increasing homeless issue and our response to support folk of all ages locally. We set up originally in 2015 as a winter project, since then the demand has been incredible and we daily feed around 25 customers and provide a warm, safe place to be. The cafe' is run totally through the generosity and investment in time of local supporters and a team of around 40 volunteers.

We are a volunteer led and run community service set up as a consequence of Covid-19 supporting the local community with fresh food and other items which would ordinarily be wasted. We ask for a £1 donation for the items we offer and we are open to anyone who can come along to us, no referral needed. SHARE Wokingham is a locally founded food sharing charity (registered number 1195620) with 15 sites in Wokingham and surrounding areas. Each week SHARE helps over 2000 people in our local community who need support foodwise by redistributing an incredible 40 tonnes of food from local supermarkets and food suppliers that would otherwise go to waste. No referral is required. Our food sharing is for anyone who feels they could do with some help – even if just temporarily. Everyone is welcome. No questions are asked. You will just find friendly faces and plenty of fresh produce.