Fresh fruit and veg saved from waste
The Felix Project, London’s largest food rescue charity, has started working with Western International Market in Hounslow, recycling surplus produce
In the first month alone around 20 tonnes of fruit and vegetables have been secured – that’s the equivalent of around 46,000 meals.
The Felix Project is saving surplus food and giving it to around 1,000 charities and schools that support those experiencing food insecurity across London. The charity’s main aim is to save as much fresh food as possible and ensure vulnerable people and those on low incomes can make healthy meals. Working at the market the main distribution centre in West London, is a fantastic opportunity.
Richard Smith, Head of Food Supply at The Felix Project said: “We are so thrilled with this new partnership and the access it gives us to an incredible array of fresh, healthy and delicious produce. We believe we could secure around 550 tonnes of food in the first year, that’s around 1.3 million meals. This means thousands more people could benefit.
“The team here have been so generous, giving us free office space and welcoming us as part of the family, we are already building excellent relationships with the traders which will hopefully mean we can ensure even more food is redistributed to those in desperate need.”
Western International Market works with almost 100 individual traders who sell fruit and vegetables across the UK and Europe. Working with The Felix Project will enable them to cut potential food waste significantly and improve sustainability as Keith Ward, Chairman of the Tenants Association, explains:
“Our members sell thousands of tonnes of produce every day, but as with any mass produce market there is a small element of fruit and vegetables which cannot be retailed but are still fit for consumption. Previously contaminated food waste went to landfill and the remainder to an anaerobic digestor company. This new partnership means less waste and less of a negative environmental impact. Something I know all the traders are pleased about.”
Felix vans take kilos of produce, such as satsumas, bananas, peppers, melons, tomatoes and more to one of the charities four depots across London every day. The Felix Project has more than 630 organisations on the waiting list, all in desperate need of food. This new partnership will enable some charities to start receiving help.
The Felix Project is also looking for people to volunteer at the market, if you can help or would like to find out more, please click here.
To find out more please contact Charlie Neal on charlie.neal@thefelixproject.org.
food insecurity food waste Richard Smith The Felix Project Western International Market
