Stone’s Morrisons store is donating all unsold food at the end of its shelf life to the Salvation Army in Stafford.
Late last year the supermarket giant announced that it would be giving away its unsold food across its UK supermarkets to local charities and community groups. Morrisons was the first to make this commitment following public outrage at the amount of food thrown away by Britain’s supermarkets.
As well as fruit and vegetables and other fresh food, tins and packets that have reached their sell-by date are also being donated.
[box type=”shadow” ]Linda Downward from Stafford Salvation Army said: “In August 2013 we had a fire at our base, so we’re only really getting going again after moving back in last September. So this has come at a really good time for us and we’re very grateful to Morrisons for choosing us.
“We use the food at our own base for people in need, but also share it round. Last week, we sent some over to a project in Stoke that works with homeless people. We’ve collected two consignments of food so far and it’s been things like biscuits, spaghetti and vegetables. It’s all very much appreciated.”[/box]
Linda works with Jenny Dodd, Morrisons’ community champion at the Stone store, on the project. Jenny said: “This stops the wastage of food and helps a very worthy cause too, so we’re all delighted to be doing this.”
Morrisons says the level of edible waste is already minimised through measures such as discounting food before it can no longer be sold or using it in staff canteens. The small percentage of edible food in Morrisons stores that is wasted has previously been used to produce energy rather than going to landfill. This initiative will ensure it gets eaten.
[box type=”shadow” ]Andrew Clappen, Morrisons corporate services director, said: “We don’t like the idea of good food going to waste and this programme will ensure that we find a home for the small amount of unsold food in our stores.”[/box]
