A new scheme to share healthy food all for a good cause has launched in Devon.
Based at Okehampton Primary School, Green Box Okehampton offers a weekly affordable food box for families for just £2.50. It's packed with nutritious surplus food that would otherwise go to waste, meaning families who take part are helping fight food waste and promote environmental sustainability.
Green Box Okehampton was set up by the Dartmoor Multi-Academy Trust with the support of LiveWest, who provided funding for key items like the green food boxes and a payment machine.
The food comes from FareShare South West, who rescue good-to-eat food at risk of being wasted directly from the food industry, and share it with schools, charities and community groups to create lasting social impact.
Laura was the new project’s first customer, she said: “I’m a single mum of four, and we struggle with food especially as the kids have eating issues.
“I used to be a cook in a special school, and this is amazing. I’ve got fresh bread, and I’m going to make sweet potato and black bean chilli, and I’ve got potatoes for chips.”
Simon Cohen, our Community Connector, said: “ We’ve supported with some setup costs to help Green Box Okehampton get off the ground, making sure the project is viable, funding the FareShare South West membership, and the launch.
“It’s all about joining together, making sure that food doesn't go to waste and using it to feed local people.”
The project, which started in January, was created by Melissa Trudgill, Community Engagement Lead for the Dartmoor Multi-Academy Trust.
Melissa said: “Green Box Okehampton is an environmental project, and there’s absolutely no shame in coming forward to get this food.
“We hope it’ll also help those that need it. We will be serving tea and coffee every Thursday after school, and parents can chat to Greta, who's a family liaison officer at the school.
“My hope is this will keep growing, and that we can add more satellite projects like cooking classes and extra things at Easter and Christmas. Dartmoor Multi Academy Trust is proud of its social and environmental projects to help all those living in the communities, around our schools.”
Lucy Bearn, CEO of FareShare South West, said: “We’re so pleased to be able to support Okehampton with a weekly delivery.
“Over 50 per cent of the surplus we receive from the food industry is fresh fruit, fresh veg and dairy – the kind of food you can’t get from a food bank, and which is essential for a healthy diet.
“Melissa and Greta have created something life-changing for children and families, supporting them to thrive at school and at home.”
Green Box Okehampton is currently open to families who have children in nursery, reception and year 1 at Okehampton Primary School, but the team hope to offer the boxes to more families soon.
Images: FareShare South West