The Wellingborough Eco Group has launched a new project at the Swanspool Pavilion in Wellingborough, Northamptonshire, to help residents get fresh food while reducing local waste. The initiative, known as Food Sharers, collects surplus produce and bread from retailers that might otherwise go to waste and makes it available to the entire community.
The project is open twice a week, with sessions running on Tuesdays from 12:00 to 18:00 and Thursdays from 10:00 to 14:00. Organisers have set up the space at the pavilion to look like a small market where people can pick up fruit, vegetables, and other grocery items.
Unlike a traditional food bank, this service does not require any special paperwork or referrals and is open to everyone regardless of their income. The group aims to stop edible food from ending up in landfill sites and uses the project to help neighbours lower their grocery bills during the week.
According to the North Northants Food Sustainable Network, there are plans to expand the service, and Wellingborough Eco Group expects to develop the site further in 2026. The organisers hope to eventually open a community café and a bulk-buying club so local people can purchase cupboard staples at lower prices.
While the project shares some of its extra donations with the Daylight Centre Fellowship, its main focus remains on being a hub for reusing resources. The site also hosts other community activities, such as a Repair Cafe and a Swap Shop, to help make the town more environmentally friendly.
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