Northern Soul Kitchen is a food waste initiative in Berwick-Upon-Tweed, Northumberland.
We are a collaborative community space in which we take unsold, yet edible food from supermarkets, local shops and households to create affordable and balanced meals for all.
Essentially, everything we do is to tackle the following issues:
- food waste in the local area
- food poverty and instability
- social isolation and integration
- a lack of understanding about food and nutrition
We were inspired by The Real Junk Food Project, started by Adam Smith in Leeds. He has since collaborated on a number of projects in that area and the idea has spread across the country with dozens of projects popping up all over the place.
You can find out more here http://therealjunkfoodproject.org
It's a win-win situation for everyone. We can use their unused food to make meals and they can fulfil their obligations to reduce waste and support community projects like this one.
Why here? Why now?
Every year, millions of tonnes of food in the UK are wasted, while hard-working families, young people and the elderly struggle to feed themselves. Our café works to alleviate both these situations in the local area.
Berwick is a beautiful, friendly town but it’s not without its challenges. Unemployment across
Northumberland is higher than the national average at 6.6% and those who are able to find work are often crippled by monthly outgoings. 16.8% of people in Northumberland claim housing benefit.
Aside from finances, there are also health concerns within the community. The North East of England has one of the highest obesity rates in the country. Fresh and healthy food is often the most expensive and without nutrition education from a young age at school, many people are unaware of what actually constitutes a healthy meal.
Our space acts not only as a meeting point and source of cheap, tasty meals but also an
information hub for what people could do to eat better at home.
Every year, millions of tonnes of food in the UK are wasted, while hard-working families, young people and the elderly struggle to feed themselves. Our café works to alleviate both these situations in the local area.
Berwick is a beautiful, friendly town but it’s not without its challenges. Unemployment across
Northumberland is higher than the national average at 6.6% and those who are able to find work are often crippled by monthly outgoings. 16.8% of people in Northumberland claim housing benefit.
Aside from finances, there are also health concerns within the community. The North East of England has one of the highest obesity rates in the country. Fresh and healthy food is often the most expensive and without nutrition education from a young age at school, many people are unaware of what actually constitutes a healthy meal.
Our space acts not only as a meeting point and source of cheap, tasty meals but also an
information hub for what people could do to eat better at home.
