Food In Community

Food in Community CIC is a local initiative started by David Markson and Laurel Ellis. It rescues unwanted and surplus vegetables and fruit and feeds it back to the community, allowing local projects and organisations to benefit. It has worked closely with many organisations in Totnes and the South Hams, and is now based at the Reconomy Centre in Leechwell Street and has become affiliated with TTT.

Says David, 'We took an idea close to our hearts - that of addressing food waste, and started a project that seems to have its own wonderful momentum. We've had great help and support from Guy Watson and his staff of locally-based Riverford Organic and a dedicated group of friends and volunteers which has made it all possible.'

 

After local people voted to back it, FIC won a Lottery 'Community Cash Awards' for its 'Cooking Up A Treat' programme, with took place in the refurbished Civic Hall kitchen and offered groups of older men and young carers cooking and food sharing sessions; people came together, learned new skills and enjoyed food and company. TTT also benefitted from the award with support for its hugely successful free Skillshare events.

Since January 2013 FIC have made weekly deliveries to Rainbow Nursery, Daisy Children's Centre, Action for Children Pre School, Cool Recovery (for carers and those affected by mental health issues), The Yatis Project (for adults recovering from drug and alcohol dependency), TIC (a project addressing re offending) the Drop In Centre, and a Food Bank. One local school whose PTA prepares their own school dinners have benefitted too. Over 5000 kilos of produce have been delivered and an estimated 4000 meals cooked.

Every so often they hold Pay What You Feel lunches, usually in the Methodist Hall on Fore Street, which are very popular. Check the events calendar to see when the next one is. To get involved with a gleaning day (which happen weekly), or to make a donation of surplus, please contact David by emailing dmarkson@hotmail.co.uk.

Food In Community have a Facebook page, and a website coming soon.

Read about Food in Community in The Guardian newspaper.