The Real Junk Food Project

I think we are all conscious of the fact that there is a growing global waste problem, and one form of waste recently that has been hitting the headlines recently is food waste. Possibly more than plastic, paper, metal and glass, food waste really is something that makes mad, especially when food that is perfectly edible is binned! Across the world people are starving every day, and closer to home, over 1 million people have received at least 3 days emergency food from charity foodbanks between April 2014 and April 2015 (Trussell Trust, 2015). This is thought to be a massive underestimation as the figure only actually relates to the Trussell Trust foodbanks, let alone all the other banks, in churches and the likes, that are providing an essential service to families across the country. Merseyside has been particularly hard hit by the foodbank crisis and the Liverpool Echo state that Merseyside is the worst hit region in the UK. Irrespective of the issue of families not being able to afford to eat, there is then the huge impact of food waste on natural resources. Estimates of global food waste are between 30-50% of the total amount produced, equating to 1.3 billion tonnes per year. Although, there are recycling options for food waste, this uses energy, time and space, as well as creating carbon emissions and needing logistical management. Hence, the best way to manage food waste is to reduce the amount of food wasted in the fist place.

This is where the Liverpool Real Junk Food Project (LRJFP) comes in.  Originally founded in Leeds by Yorkshire chef Adam Smith, local women Gabby Holmes and Natalie Hughes-Crean have brought the project to the Pool and aim to tackle the issue of food waste by saving surplus food and using it to create delicious, yummy, nutritious meals. These meals are paid for on a PAYF (Pay As You Feel) basis. As well as money, guests can donate their time, talents or donations in exchange for their meal. This opens up the restaurant to those that may not otherwise be able to afford to eat out.

The Real Junk Food Project set up for the event at The Brink

On Sunday LRJFP held a 'Binner Party' in Liverpool City Centre. This was the perfect opportunity for me to see watch this revolutionary enterprise in action. They do not currently have their own venue, in the mean time they operate on a 'Pop-Up' basis. This event was held at The Brink, the perfect space for a chilled out meal on a Sunday evening.

I arrived just after the 6.30pm start time, where the majority of the seats had been snapped up. Luckily my gang had saved me a seat, so I took my place ready to sample the joys of waste food! The tables were laid beautifully with donated floral napkins and fresh flowers. On each plate was an envelope, inside it was a card for you to offer your PAYF payment or commitment.

The Real Junk Food Project PAYF Card

There was a lovely vibe throughout the whole event. The food is prepared and served by volunteers, who were passionate about the scheme and answered any questions about vegan options without hesitation. There was live music by local guitarist Patto, creating a laid back ambiance that encouraged tapping feet and conversation between guests.

Diners enjoying the relaxed atmosphere

Local business' the Isla Gladstone Conservatory and  Rough Hand Made Bakery, along with Costco, joined the junk food revolution and made donations of food, that would have otherwise been thrown away, to feed the hungry punters. A selection of salads, cakes, dips, pies and bread were laid out, ready for consumption. We helped ourselves to these and were offered a choice of red pepper and tomato soup or Thai green chicken curry as a main. For dessert, in addition to the cakes and macaroons on offer, diners were able to choose between fruit salad or Crème brûlée served at the table. 

Selection of salads adorn the bar table

Plenty of desserts for non vegans

 Consideration was made to make sure that there were options for vegans in all courses, although I would have liked more option for dessert, that is just my sweet tooth rearing it's ugly head again! My party and I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and the food, and we were all happy to donate generously with money and time. I would love to volunteer in the kitchen and whip up some junk food vegan desserts. Watch this space!

Natalie and Gabby are doing amazing job in tackling the enormous problem of environmental food waste, as well as helping those who are food insecure.Taking inspiration from the Leeds Project, this is the first endeavor of its kind in Liverpool and I implore anyone that reads this to get behind the movement. These amazing women hope to have their own base where they can continue their good work on a more permanent basis and I'm sure you would agree that this would be a fantastic addition to the city. You can follow The Real Junk Food Project's progress in feeding the world on Facebook, Twitter and on the Website. 


Photo credit: Denny Anyway merseymale@live.co.uk