Foodshare meal to combat social isolation and save food from landfill

An academic from the University of Northampton is organising an event which is aimed at combating social isolation – and stopping food going to landfill.

Nick Cartwright, a Senior Lecturer in Law, has planned a foodshare meal at the Bridge of Grace food bank in Thrapston, Northamptonshire, on Saturday 24 October.

“There’s many people in Thrapston and the surrounding areas of rural East Northamptonshire who experience social isolation,” said Nick, pictured.

“Elderly people make up the majority, but it can happen to anybody.

“The event is open to everybody in the community who would simply like a hot free meal and to enjoy the company of others.

“The meal will comprise food that would be otherwise destined for landfill – for example, fruit and vegetables approaching their use-by date. We’re looking for people to donate any food items they can, all will be gratefully received.”

It’s appropriate that the food share meal will be taking place in the food bank, which is based within Thrapston Baptist Church, as it has become a vital service for the community.

Nick, who volunteers at the food bank, said: “There’s half-a-dozen families who regularly visit the food bank and there are others in the area we deliver food too.

“It’s sobering to think that unemployment is not the only reason people use food banks. We have people who are working but just cannot make ends meet, and the situation is only going to get worse.”

The University of Northampton is committed to creating positive social change, and supports its staff and students to ‘Give More, Get More, Be More’.

The University has been internationally recognised for its commitment to social innovation and entrepreneurship by being designated a ‘Changemaker Campus’ by Ashoka U – the global association of the world’s leading universities supporting social entrepreneurs.

The foodshare meal begins at 5pm on Saturday 24 October at the Bridge of Grace Food Bank, Thrapston Baptist Church, 33 Huntingdon Road, NN14 4NF.

For more information about the foodshare meal, or to find out how you can donate food for the meal, email nick.cartwright@northampton.ac.uk.