November 20th, 2023.



Havens Food Cooperative, the food waste prevention and redistribution project of Havens Community Hub CIC, proudly celebrated a monumental achievement on November the 16th, reaching £1 million in surplus food collected and given out to support the local community on the Havens coastal stretch between Saltdean and Seaford.

The milestone achievement was celebrated at the Hillcrest Centre in Newhaven and was attended by the Havens Food Cooperative Team, dedicated volunteers, local supermarket staff, and esteemed guests including town council representatives, local mayors, council members, and dignitaries. Notable figures in attendance included the Vice Lord-Lieutenant and High Sheriff of East Sussex, both of whom acknowledged the significant impact of the project. The event served not only as a celebration of past accomplishments, but also as a rallying point for continued efforts to combat food waste and promote food security within the community.

Formed in 2020, the project has worked tirelessly towards the goal of reducing food waste and addressing food insecurity within the community. Through partnerships with local stores, the unwavering commitment of volunteers and collaboration with local community groups, the project has successfully collected and redistributed surplus food, free of charge, and prevented it from reaching landfill, which in turn prevents the release of harmful greenhouse gas emissions.

The Vice Lord-Lieutenant of East Sussex, Mr Graham Peters, delivered an inspiring speech highlighting the positive influence surplus food redistribution has on alleviating food insecurity locally and noting how this work in food waste prevention aligned with the themes of the recently announced Coronation Food Project supported and initiated by His Majesty King Charles III. His words underscored the importance of these collaborative efforts between volunteers, stores, and local groups in tackling pressing issues such as food waste and hunger.

"We are thrilled to celebrate this remarkable milestone of £1 million worth of surplus food redistributed to support the Havens community – especially those at risk of food insecurity," said Paula Woolven, he founder of Havens Food Cooperative. "This achievement is a testament to the dedication of our team, the generosity and commitment of our partner stores, and the unwavering support of the community. Together, we are making a tangible impact on reducing food waste and ensuring that surplus food reaches those who need it the most."

For more information on the project or to join the team of volunteers email: havensfoodcoop@gmail.com or call 01273 918226

To donate to the project visit www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/million

www.havenscommunityhub.co.uk/foodcoop