What waste? Elsie’s Café and University of Northampton launch new partnership to minimise food waste

Did you know that in the UK we throw away around 15 million tonnes of food and drink every year? More than half of this is food and drink could still have been eaten.

In a bid to cut down on food waste from the University of Northampton’s catering facilities at its Park Campus in Kingsthorpe, a new partnership with Elsie’s Café has been launched.

Elsie’s Café serves up fresh, tasty meals made from ingredients deemed either ‘damaged’ or close to their sell-by date. The edible food which would otherwise go to waste from the University’s catering facilities will join other food donations from local businesses, shops, wholesalers and restaurants to create the weekend menu at the café.

The café – part of the Real Junk Food Project – asks customers to ‘pay-as-they-feel’, whether it be 1p, £10, or the offer of washing up the pots to eat in the café.

Steve Booker, Head of Procurement and Commercial Services at the University of Northampton commented: “The University of Northampton is working hard to maintain and improve our sustainability credentials, and in the last year we’ve collected over 48 tonnes of food waste. Our partnership with Elsie’s Café is a sustainable way for us to make a real difference within the community, and were very proud to support the project.”

Shena Cooper, project co-ordinator for Elsie’s Café said: “The Real Junk Food Project are delighted to be working with the University of Northampton to reduce their food waste. This is the start of a partnership which will ensure that the University’s edible food will not end up in landfill. Everyone is welcome at our expanding group of cafes, to eat with us and donate money or time in exchange. To see more visit Facebook Elsie’sTRJFP Northampton.”