Sainsbury's Newcastle Central Station Local

I work at the Tyneside Foyer supported accommodation service in the city centre of Newcastle, that provides support to 82 vulnerable homeless young females and males between the ages of 16 – 25. All residents have complex needs and mental health difficulties. A lot of our residents are on low income and struggle day to day financially .

We provide: - friendship and food, 52 weeks of a year - 200 + 3 course hot meals served at the kitchen, 7 days a week - nearly new clothing and sleeping bags - shower facilities - "Your Futures" programme to help towards independent living - Social events, which help our friends combat loneliness and isolation as well as equipping them with important skills. We have over 200 volunteers who donate their time and with no staffing costs and no government grants, 82% of all donations go to supporting our clients.

The Food Rescue Group in Newcastle mobilises an enthusiastic network of students, volunteers, and community partners committed to greener living and responsible consumption in an urban setting. This expansion reflects a strong and growing commitment to environmental sustainability and local action. As communities face increasing challenges from climate change, resource depletion, and ecological imbalance, the mission of the Food Rescue Group has become ever more urgent. A central focus of the group’s work is tackling food waste, an issue that leads to unnecessary resource loss, landfill use, and methane emissions, a greenhouse gas far more potent than carbon dioxide. Addressing food waste is therefore both an environmental necessity and a social responsibility, as surplus food can be redirected to support individuals and families across the city. The group works closely with local producers and retailers to ensure surplus food is used rather than discarded. These partnerships help businesses reduce disposal costs while delivering clear environmental benefits and strengthening community resilience. Pickup and distribution in Newcastle are coordinated by Ishaan Saurya and Saule Narsutyte, who manage volunteer scheduling, oversee collections, and ensure rescued food is delivered promptly and safely. Their coordination ensures operations remain efficient, reliable, and firmly community-focused. The volunteer network includes students and staff from Newcastle University, Northumbria University, and Newcastle College, alongside members of the wider community. Surplus food is collected from partner retailers and redistributed within 15 minutes of pickup, maintaining freshness while removing the need for storage facilities. All items are inspected immediately, and any unsuitable food is disposed of responsibly to minimise environmental impact. Operations are coordinated through a dedicated WhatsApp group, providing real-time updates on collection schedules, locations, and quantities. Volunteers are supported with guidance on rapid but thorough food safety checks to ensure all redistributed food meets strict quality standards. Through this work, the Food Rescue Group in Newcastle diverts significant volumes of food from landfill, reduces methane emissions, conserves valuable resources, and strengthens community connections. The initiative delivers meaningful environmental and social benefits, supporting both the planet and the people who live in the city. As the group continues to refine its approach and expand its reach, it remains committed to building a more sustainable and inclusive future. Together, meaningful change is possible, one meal, one volunteer, and one community at a time.