GIG donates a tonne of food to Chesham food project

The project collects from local businesses and individuals, perfectly good food – such as fresh fruit and veg, fresh milk, fresh bread and hard cheeses (chilled) – that would otherwise go to waste. It is then distributed to the local community, including Food Bank clients, pensioners and low-income families, who visit the volunteer-run project that is open two mornings per week.

GIG and Eat to the Beat, the catering arm of Global Infusion Group that deliver catering and hospitality services to events, festivals and tours such as Reading Festival, BBC Proms in the Park, Cirque du Soleil and The Game Fair have been donating left-over food from a number of client events.

Mary Shelley-Smith, global operations director at Eat to the Beat, commented: “Sustainability is such an important issue. For several years now we have been working hard to tackle the issue of food wastage in the event industry. No one wants to see food going to waste, so it’s great to see that we donated 778kg of food in September alone. That’s food that would have ended up in the bin if it wasn’t for an initiative like Chesham Community Fridge.”

Bonnie May, global operations director at GIG, adds: “People hate waste and so we’re proud to play our part, knowing we’re having a positive effect on the local community. To think that our global business – based in Buckinghamshire – has had such a huge impact on the local community is fantastic news. It is great to be able to give something back to the local area and we’re honoured to continue our work with Chesham Community Fridge, knowing that it is making a big difference to people’s lives.”

Pauline Kirkham, project co-ordinator of Chesham Community Fridge comments: “Community Fridge attracts a real cross section of people from the local area, from those that are ethically minded and hate waste to those on a low income, homeless and people on benefits. There is usually a really nice atmosphere and people all chat in the queue. No-one has to qualify for food, everyone is welcome. Regular food contributors include Tesco, Waitrose, Marks & Spencer and Global Infusion Group. Global Infusion Group’s contributions are so appreciated, and they give a vital boost to our supplies and be assured that none of the food is wasted!”

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