Shrewsbury is to become one of Sainsbury’s Waste less, Save More Discovery Communities as part of a national bid by the supermarket to drive down food waste.
The town was one of only five across the UK to reach the final stages of Sainsbury’s Waste Less, Save More campaign to become its zero food waste ambassador and was up against Swadlincote, Hinkley, Newcastle-Under-Lyme and Loughborough.
Although Shrewsbury was pipped to the post by Swadlincote, in South Derbyshire, the judging panel were so impressed by the town’s efforts that Shrewsbury has been invited to become one of Sainsbury’s Discovery Communities which would involve testing new ideas, sharing best practice tips, inclusion on the Sainsbury’s WLSM website and opportunities to work with local branches on waste less initiatives.
A letter from Sainsbury’s Chief Executive, Mike Coupe says: “The judges could sense the appetite for food waste reduction and you clearly have some fantastic ideas. We would really like to stay in touch and would love you to be a part of our Discovery Communities, who we’ll be working with throughout next year with opportunities to test things out beyond the chosen town.”
Town Clerk, Helen Ball said: “We were delighted to be one of Sainsbury’s Waste Less Save More finalists, naturally we are a little disappointed not to be selected as the pilot town but this is not going to be a wasted opportunity. We have proven that there is a real enthusiasm for change in Shrewsbury and now that we have got the momentum going we intend to keep on pushing forward. We are looking forward to continuing to work with Sainsbury’s as one of their Discovery Communities in the fight against food waste.”
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