Still not set on the idea of using your leftovers? Please do not bin them. Please. It is a national tragedy that there are more than 400,000 people in the UK that are relying on food banks each year to feed themselves and yet as a population we throw away £1,700,000,000 worth of prepared food each year. Why is there such a massive mismatch in our food consumption and disposal? As individuals we can help to reduce waste and feed others.
Sandwich Fairy - This obviously isn't going to be for everyone, but if you know there is a local homeless person in your area and you are able to get there safely then it will be well worth doing. I can almost guarantee that in my hometown of Lincoln there will be at least one homeless person outside WHSmith and in Sheffield there will be several in the doorway of West Street 165. It's like being a waiter to the homeless, but I can guarantee you they will be more grateful than anyone you've ever waited on before.
Leftover Swap App - This is only one for iPhone users at the moment unfortunately. This app allows you to post a photo of the food you have to offer with a link to your general location, you can also claim other people's food with the app. There is a short registration process (30 seconds) but it is worth it. You can either swap or give things away, so will be invaluable over Christmas if you have a lot of food to give.
Donate food - The Trussell Trust Food Bank Map shows the location of food banks throughout the country, some places will accept already prepared food but it might be worth checking first. Even if your local food bank doesn't accept leftovers you can still donate. Jack Monroe, pioneer of the campaign to debate food bank usage and my idol, has crafted a food bank suggestion list with the estimated prices of value versions of these products.
Give Food to a Neighbour - Many other cultures and religions give food to their neighbours but in Christianity there is less encouragement to share food. Just pop over to your neighbours to see if they'd like anything that you have to offer them. It's a nice idea and a good excuse to check to see if any elderly neighbours are okay. If you don't know your neighbours that well they might be a bit freaked out so just take it easy and don't overwhelm them, maybe offer them a mince pie first!
Merry Christmas to you all, I hope you have a lovely day!
To view the previous post click here, to see all posts in this series, click here.
To view the previous post click here, to see all posts in this series, click here.
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Did you know that in the film Toy Story, Sid's hallway carpet is the same design as the hallway carpet in The Shining? That's well creepy.
Heeeeeeeeeeeeres Jonny!