A community project in Speke is set to empower residents with vital skills to combat food waste and live more sustainably, thanks to a new grant of £7,842.
The funding has been awarded to the 'Mint Meals, Minus Waste' initiative, which is led by Groundwork Cheshire, Lancashire and Merseyside. The project will be delivered in partnership with South Liverpool Homes and its food pantry, The Market Place.
Funding and Project Goals
The grant comes from the Zero Waste Community Fund 2025/26, managed by Merseyside Recycling and Waste Authority and Veolia. This fund is dedicated to boosting reuse, waste reduction, and recycling across the region.
The 'Mint Meals, Minus Waste' project will take a hands-on approach to tackle household food waste across south Liverpool. Its core aims are to raise awareness of the environmental and economic impacts of waste and to promote sustainable consumption habits.
Workshops and Community Initiatives
Residents will benefit from a series of practical activities held at both the Grow Speke project site and The Market Place. The workshops will focus on key areas to build confidence and reduce waste in the kitchen.
The sessions will cover:
- Smart shopping strategies and effective meal planning.
- Best practices for food storage and understanding date labels.
- Techniques for healthy cooking and controlling portion sizes.
- Creative ways to use leftovers, including monthly 'Cook and Eat' sessions.
- Community composting workshops.
A significant new addition will be the establishment of a community fridge at Grow Speke. This initiative is designed to encourage the redistribution of surplus food, ensuring it feeds people rather than ending up in the bin.
Community Impact and Official Comments
Jon Hutchinson, director at Groundwork Cheshire, Lancashire and Merseyside, expressed his enthusiasm for the launch. "We are thrilled to launch Mint Meals, Minus Waste in partnership with South Liverpool Homes," he said. "By sharing practical tips on everything from meal planning to composting, we can empower families to reduce food waste, save money, and make a positive environmental impact right here in Speke."
The project has ambitious targets for community engagement. It aims to directly involve over 360 residents through its workshops and pantry discussions, with information set to reach thousands more tenants across South Liverpool.
