Supermarkets' old food recycled by Bristol charity

A new charity will be launched in Stokes Croft encouraging supermarkets to donate their surplus stock to those suffering from food poverty.

FoodCycle will launch at Hamilton House, Stokes Croft, on February 10 from 7pm to 11pm. The charity combines young volunteers, surplus food and a free kitchen space to create nutritious meals for people affected by food poverty.

The charity, which is based in London, say retailers throw out over 500,000 million tons of edible food every year due to supply overstock. Their aim is to redirect this food so it can be used to cook meals for people in the local community.

Students in Bristol have already worked to establish ties between Easton Community Centre and supermarket Sainsbury's to start the city-based project.

Co-exist, which has established itself in Hamilton House, Stokes Croft, has also pledged support. The charity also plans to set up a FoodCycle restaurant, where part of the food donated will be sold to raise funds, making it a sustainable, long-term project.

For more, visit www.foodworksuk.org.uk.