Each year we celebrate our work at an Annual Reception and EFA has just celebrated its 6th birthday and appointed Elizabeth Butland as its new Coordinator. One of her tasks is to work with volunteers to make sure that daily collections from stores run smoothly and that deliveries can be made the next day to appropriate groups. She believes together they can make such a difference to people’s lives.
We now look forward to building on the work Rory put into place and rescuing even more surplus produce in our wasteful society. This could include new premises in the future, more appropriate to our desire to convert in-date food into more storable products such as soups, smoothies, stews or preserves.
One of our recipients is Exeter Foodbank, who now take fresh food and pass it on to their users. This partnership works a treat; it means that the Foodbank can provide fresh food to clients without storage issues, and also ensure that the more unusual food donations we’re offered are well used. Manager Mark Richardson says, “Thank you Exeter Food Action for all your tremendous work – we may be separate charities, but we think we make a great team!”
More food goes to school breakfast clubs such as at Cranbrook. Head teacher Stephen Farmer said, “We know eating well at the start of the day is so important for children and their learning, as well as their quality of life. EFA is doing a vital job in helping us to provide that at school”.
Since its inception, Exeter Food Action has benefitted an estimated 10,000 people in the area. It has saved over £100,000 to local community organisations and reduced carbon emissions by about 100 tonnes! The charity is supported by local councils, churches and community groups and is a partner of Food Exeter.
In the photo are Elizabeth Butland (left) and Saxon Spence (right), who chairs EFA.
