Student–run social supermarket takes on food poverty and waste in Nottingham
Thanks to the donations from alumni and friends of the University, a student-run social supermarket in Sneinton, Nottingham is filling the gap between supermarkets and food banks whilst simultaneously tackling food waste.
The project, named Foodprint, relies on donations from supermarkets, local businesses and members of the community to keep its shelves stocked. The donated food is sold on for low prices, for example, 5p for a potato, 15p for a loaf of bread and 25p for a bag of pasta. The money made from sales covers the costs of running the shop.
“A lot of our customers are single parents, which is who we always wanted to help. Food poverty, particularly child food poverty, is unacceptable. We believe that food should be available and affordable and it’s nice to provide that for people,” said Sam, Foodprint project manager and psychology student.
Since the project started, Foodprint has served nearly 1,000 customers with over two tonnes of food that would have otherwise been wasted. It’s not just the local community that is benefitting from the project. The students involved are developing important skills and experience that will serve them well once they graduate.
The project was made possible thanks to the generosity of alumni and friends of the University of Nottingham who support the Cascade Fund.
“Our funding from Cascade is the only reason we’re here today. It’s very difficult to start a project like this without funding so the grant really got us moving,” Sam added.
Sam joined the Foodprint project two years ago when he joined Enactus, a student organisation dedicated to social enterprise. Initially his role was in marketing but since then he has taken on the lead role in the project - managing volunteers, the store manager and supply chains.
“I never thought of myself as a team leader or someone that was particularly interested in enterprise. This project has completely changed my perspective and I absolutely love what we’re doing here. I’ve had some great experience through the project and met some wonderful people, both in the local community and in organisations across the east midlands,” Sam said.
The project has achieved a lot since launching in December last year, but the project team has big plans for Foodprint. They have recently been given allotment space in Bulwell, a few miles north of the Nottingham city centre, where they plan to grow food for distribution through Foodprint. Alongside supporting breakfast clubs for children around Nottingham, this is a project that has a bright future ahead.
Follow their progress with Foodprint on facebook.
Thank you to everyone who supports our Cascade student project fund. Your generosity is the catalyst that helps forward-thinking projects like Foodprint to become a reality. Find out more about
Cascade.
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