A third of all food produced globally is wasted. The global food system generates between 25-30% of the world’s total greenhouse gas emissions. The potential impact that reducing food waste can have on climate change was recognised at Sunday’s Earth Shot awards which saw the City of Milan win a 1m prize for their city-wide food waste policy, with three food waste hubs each recovering about 130 tonnes of food per year, the equivalent of an estimated 260,000 meals.
Here at Shrewsbury Food Hub we use a very similar model. Powered by over 100 volunteers, last year we saved 173 tonnes of food and prevented more than 500 tonnes of greenhouse gases. The food is shared with over 45 local community groups and charities and supports 11 Foodshare tables each week around Shrewsbury.
As co-founder Alison Thomas explains, “Shrewsbury Food Hub empowers people to do simple, practical, hands-on things to help combat climate change. Volunteering with the Food Hub can be a real tonic against what can sometimes feel like an impossible challenge.”
Our volunteers also share this view:
“I believe there is nothing more important than doing out bit, no matter how big or small, to try and have a somewhat positive impact on the environment.”
Shelby, Shrewsbury Food Hub Volunteer
“In my eyes preventing food waste from going to landfill is an absolute necessity when you think about all the resources and time that have gone into producing that food. Stopping the waste going to landfill also reduces greenhouse gas emissions, providing an excellent opportunity to fight the climate crisis.”
Olivia, Shrewsbury Food Hub Volunteer
We’re committed to keep working together to make Shrewsbury a zero food waste town!
Want to get involved? You can get in touch with us here.