A community project in Speke has won a grant to help residents reduce food waste, learn vital cooking skills and promote environmental sustainability in the area.
The ‘Mint meals, minus waste’ project is led by Groundwork Cheshire, Lancashire and Merseyside, a registered charity dedicated to creating greener, stronger and healthier communities. It will be delivered in partnership with South Liverpool homes and its food pantry ‘The Market Place’.
The project aims to reduce household food wastage across the region by increasing awareness of its environmental and economic impacts, they will also promote sustainable consumption practices.
The £7,842 grant has been awarded through the zero-waste community fund 25/26 which is managed by Merseyside Recycling and Waste Authority.
Jon Hutchinson, director at Groundwork, said: ‘‘We are thrilled to launch ‘Mint Meals, Minus Waste’ in partnership with South Liverpool Homes.’’
“This funding allows us to connect directly with residents at trusted community hubs like Grow Speke and The Market Place. By sharing practical tips on everything from meal planning to composting, we can empower families to reduce food waste, save money, and make a positive environmental impact right here in Speke.”
Residents will benefit from a range of activities delivered at groundworks ‘Grow Speke’ project site and The Market Place. Some of the workshops and shared resources include:
- Smart shopping and meal planning
- Effective food storage and understanding date labels
- Healthy cooking and appropriate portion control
- Inventive ways to use leftovers, including monthly ‘Cook and Eat’ sessions
A new community fridge will also be established at Grow Speke to encourage the redistribution of surplus food within the community.
The project will directly engage with over 360 residents through its workshops and pantry discussions, with information also reaching thousands more tenants across South Liverpool.
Lesley Worswick, Chief Executive of Merseyside Recycling and Waste Authority, said:”Preventing waste is a key priority for the Authority, and food waste is a major contributor to climate change. The ‘Mint Meals, Minus Waste’ project is a fantastic, grassroots initiative that addresses this challenge head-on. By supporting Groundwork, the Zero Waste Community Fund is investing in practical education that changes daily habits. This project will not only help reduce food waste but will also build a more resilient and environmentally conscious community.’’
