Guernsey project links surplus food to households

A new community initiative is launching in Guernsey to help pair charities with businesses with food waste.

SOS Guernsey Food Angel said the scheme was designed to reduce food waste while helping households access affordable food across the island.

The non-profit organisation said it was to connect surplus food from cafes, restaurants and hotels with the community via "magic bags" online and through a mobile app.

It added about 1,500 tonnes of food were wasted in Guernsey every year as more than 1,000 households struggled to put food on the table. Founder Hansen Canagareddy said the initiative was also trying to remove the stigma around asking for help.

He said: "There is a hidden part where you can struggle but you don't want your neighbour to know about it.

"You've got surplus food from restaurant and cafes - you can sell it - but on top of that we're trying to help those in need by making sure the dignity part is covered also.

"You don't want people like: 'Oh, OK. I need to sign a sheet, I need to go through a screening before I'm eligible to get some help.'"

The charity said said surprise bags of fresh food were to be offered at a reduced price shortly before shops' closing or before food expiry dates.

"Customers can purchase the bags for personal use or choose to donate them to local charities and food banks," it added.

Businesses were able to register for free and the platform would manage payments securely while providing an easy way for food outlets to convert surplus food into a positive community impact, bosses said.

The official launch of SOS Guernsey Food Angel is set to take place at the Duke Hotel on Wednesday.