Why SAVE food?

It is estimated that one-third of all food produced for human consumption is wasted globally. That’s about 1.3 billion tonnes per year. We use an area larger than China to grow food that is never eaten. And it’s not just the food that is wasted either - huge amounts of energy, water, labour, manufacturing, packaging and transportation have been used to get items to the shelves. We just can’t afford to let this go to waste any longer.

Tackling food waste could be more effective than solar panels or electric cars as a solution to climate change, so that’s why SAVE food hub are doing their bit here in East Devon and working hard towards our ultimate goal: zero food waste.

We are saving good food from being wasted thereby acting in response to the environmental and climate emergency while feeding people in our community. We are for everyone, not just those who are struggling to feed themselves and their family. We have plenty of food for all and we also work closely to support the fantastic work of our local food banks and community projects such as Nourish and Pippins Community Centre in Axminster and The Hub in Seaton.

In the first ten days in October, the SAVE volunteers in Seaton, Axmouth & Colyton have SAVEd over a ton (1,192kg to be exact) of food from going to waste. We’ve had 280 visitors to our sessions and have donated food to food banks in Seaton and Axminister, Nourish, Pippins in Axminister and The Hub in Seaton as well as schools and nurseries in both Seaton and Colyton. 

We have about 45 volunteers in Seaton, Colyton and Axmouth and they all do their part, collecting the food from supermarkets and other food businesses, sorting the food, running our evening sessions and community larders and then tidying up and clearing up after each session. We have 10 sessions a week in Seaton, Colyton and Axmouth. For more info about our sessions see our website www.savefoodhub.org.uk 

We actively welcome, encourage and train volunteers because we recognise climate and environmental emergencies can have an adverse impact on mental health. Saving food from waste to give away free is a means of addressing these emergencies in a practical, simple, measurable and sociable context. Anyone can do it and volunteering in a group can help reduce individuals’ loneliness and low feelings. We provide a  safe, friendly and sociable environment where people can see and feel they are making a positive change in themselves and for others. We are a fully accessible group and strive to be inclusive in all areas of operations. If you are interested in joining us please get in touch www.savefoodhub.org.uk/join 

We have partnership arrangements with Fareshare (Tesco, Waitrose and others) and Foodshare (Co-op) and are continually seeking to build working relationships with additional, community food initiative partners. If you are a business in East Devon and are interested in supporting our work by donating surplus food or in any other way, please get in touch.