B&Q Slough

AJ Café CIC: A Professional Community Food Hub in Britwell AJ Café CIC is a dedicated, volunteer-led community lifeline based in the Britwell Hub, Slough. We operate a professional food rescue network, collecting surplus from major supermarkets six days a week. This rescued food is dedicated entirely to providing essential food parcels for local families in need, ensuring that high-quality surplus reaches those who need it most. Our mission is rooted in social and mental wellbeing. At our AJ Café, we serve quality, low-cost breakfasts and paninis using fresh ingredients to support residents through the cost-of-living crisis. This spirit of connection continues through our "Come Dine With Me" project, where community members cook and eat together to build lasting friendships and combat isolation. We are committed to the next generation through our Mentoring and Employment initiatives. Every last Saturday of the month, we provide young people with professional barista training and safety mentoring, giving them the skills and confidence to build a brighter future. From our Monday Warm Space to our crisis meal support, we ensure that no one in our community is left behind, using food to nourish, connect, and empower.

Food Rescue Group, Slough takes a practical, community-led approach to tackling food waste and promoting sustainable living across the town. As communities face growing challenges from climate change, dwindling resources, and ecological disruption, the importance of the Slough initiative is clear. A central focus of our work is addressing food waste, a major issue that leads to 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 put to good use rather than wasted. These partnerships help businesses reduce disposal costs while delivering measurable environmental benefits. Pickup and distribution in Slough are coordinated by Noor Sandhu and Sipambaniso Maxwell Mabungu, who manage volunteer schedules, oversee collections, and ensure rescued food is delivered promptly and safely to those who need it most. The initiative is powered by dedicated local volunteers, including community members and university students, who collect and redistribute surplus food shortly after it becomes available. This rapid turnaround helps maintain 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 takes place through a dedicated WhatsApp group, providing real-time updates on collection schedules, locations, and available quantities. This efficient communication enables fast responses and smooth day-to-day operations. By diverting significant quantities of food from landfill, the Food Rescue Group, Slough is reducing methane emissions, conserving valuable resources, and strengthening community connections. Alongside environmental benefits, the initiative provides essential support to people across the town. As the group continues to refine its approach and expand local engagement, it is making meaningful progress towards a more sustainable and inclusive future. Join us in Slough and help make a difference, one meal, one volunteer, and one community at a time.

- General charitable purposes - Education/training - The advancement of health or saving of lives - The prevention or relief of poverty - Religious activities - Amateur sport - Other charitable purposes - Children/young people - Elderly/old people - Other charities or voluntary bodies - The general public/mankind - Provides buildings/facilities/open space - Provides services - Provides advocacy/advice/information - Other charitable activities