THE launch of The Real Junk Food Project North Cornwall was a resounding success, with organisers looking forward to the next event.

Held at St Kitts Herbery, Davidstow, the twice-monthly pay-as-you-feel meals are produced from food that would otherwise have gone to waste.

The Real Junk Food Project Charitable Foundation was formed to challenge and highlight the issues of food waste, while creating inclusive environments where everyone is welcome. The pay as you feel concept is used to utilise surplus food, educate people about the issues and campaign against global issues that food waste creates.

Recently the North Cornwall arm of the project was launched, and the first night was a sell-out!

Betty Alexander, one of the directors of the community interest company, said: “The amount of food that goes to waste is huge. Everyone has seen some figures at least. The Real Junk Food Project aims to intercept as much food as possible that is edible but can still be used.”

Items can be anything from unused bread, dented tins to bruised apples. Each fortnight, a menu is created depending on what items have been sourced. Those attending can enjoy a two-course meal and then pay however much they feel.

The launch night menu included sweet potato loaf in burger buns, pulled pork in plum sauce served with panini or gluten free bread; chicken balti pies and lentil soup with giant ciabatta crouton. Dessert options included bread and summer fruit pudding, croissant cream pudding and brownie with peanut butter icing.

Betty said: “Some people can’t afford to go out and dine, and there are an awful lot of people struggling for food.”

At present the events will be held at St Kitts, but in the long term, they hope to roll the project out all over North Cornwall, putting on meals for people in Bodmin, Wadebridge, Bude and Launceston.

The team behind the North Cornwall project were delighted with how the launch went, and how the project has been received.

“It was absolutely brilliant. It was completely full and it was just so friendly.”

There was also music by Sian Netherton, who gave her time for free.

Food is sourced from Fair Share, private donations and businesses. Before the launch night, the project received a large box of vegetables from someone’s allotment, which allowed them to prepare a salad to accompany the meals.

There are gluten free, vegetarian and vegan options — something for everyone.

Betty added: “It’s been so much better than we expected. We couldn’t believe that we were completely full and that we got rid of all that food. So many people have been interested in helping as well.

“There are donation boxes for people and no-one’s looking at what you’re paying. It doesn’t even have to be with money, people can pay by clearing up or with a special skill.”

Betty believes that a project such as this is needed in North Cornwall, adding: “I think there’s a shortage of community projects for people to meet new people. I think there‘s a lot of people that are struggling for food. It’s not just the food, it’s the atmosphere — we’re trying to make it as much an experience as possible.”

The next events will be held on Friday, October 13 and 27. Those interested can book or just turn up on the night.

For more information, please visit the group’s Facebook page, or to volunteer, call 07956 034781.