Embargoed for publication until 00.01 Wednesday 31st March
Low-carbon Food Connect service saves 260,000 meals from waste in Milton Keynes trial Hubbub urges businesses to “hop on board” and support new locations As the spotlight continues to shine on food waste and its contribution climate change, environmental charity Hubbub reveals the astonishing success of its pilot in Milton Keynes, redistributing surplus food from retailers to community groups using electric cargo bikes and an electric van. The trial saved:
• 109 tonnes of food – the equivalent of almost 260,000 meals • 1.7 tonnes of transport emissions The food saved was associated with 36 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions. Despite significant progress on reducing waste across sectors over recent years, WRAP estimates that a vast quantity of surplus remains in the UK food system1. The last or final mile is the most inefficient in redistribution - food at this stage is close to its end of life and redistribution often depends on collections by small voluntary organisations. The Food Connect pilot supported community groups across Milton Keynes, and was hosted by the Wolverton Community Fridge which was one of the first to open in the UK in 2017. The pilot partnered with retailers, restaurants, FareShare, Milton Keynes Council and food manufacturers to share healthy food in the community. The Food Connect pilot took place between September 2020 and February 2021, and the e-bikes and van also provided much-needed help in delivering food packs to vulnerable households over the summer of 2020. As well as branching out to other parts of the country, Food Connect is set to continue sharing great food in Milton Keynes.