Telford food hub to give away five tonnes of fruit and veg a week
Community organisations across Telford and Shropshire are being urged to step forward and share up to five tonnes of fresh produce every week to stop it going to waste
Community groups across Telford and Shropshire are being invited to collect up to five tonnes of free fresh fruit and vegetables every week to help feed local residents.
The produce is being offered by NotJUST Surplus Hub, a community interest company based in Halesfield that rescues surplus food to prevent it from being thrown away.
Founded in 2019 by Lea Beven and her son Harrison, the initiative expects to receive the substantial weekly influx of produce from Monday, November 16, following changes in food waste regulations.
Organisations including churches, housing associations, community centres, food projects and non-profit cafes are now being urged to sign up and help distribute the fresh food across the county.
A spokesperson for NotJUST Surplus Hub said: “After a huge change in food waste policies, we’re expecting an abundance of fruit and vegetables every week, and we want it reaching people’s plates and not to landfill or animal feed. If your group can collect from us and share it with your community, please get in touch. You might support families, run a community kitchen or simply have a network of people who would benefit.
“There is no charge for the produce. Any voluntary donations will help us keep the project running, but groups do not have to donate to take part.”
The scheme aims to ensure wholesome food reaches dinner tables rather than going to landfill or being diverted to animal feed. Groups can either hand out the fresh ingredients directly to local households or turn them into community meals.
While the fruit and vegetables are entirely free, participating groups may choose to make regular donations to help cover the operating expenses of running the project.
NotJUST has grown steadily since its launch, operating a food bank alongside initiatives such as Trolley-Dash, Fill-A-Bag shopping sessions for waste-conscious shoppers, and a mobile food-sharing service dubbed Mary-Pop-Ups.
The exact quantities and varieties of fruit and vegetables will change from week to week depending on what surplus stock arrives.
Collections will take place from Wednesday to Saturday each week, but organisations must get in touch and book a slot before travelling to Halesfield.
Groups interested in taking part can register by sending a WhatsApp message to 07775 505434, stating their organisation's name, location, and details of how they intend to use or distribute the produce.