A Sandbach town councillor has launched a project to stop waste food going to landfill and help people struggling with the cost-of-living crisis at the same time.

Councillor Ann Nevitt, deputy mayor, is spearheading a project called 'The Sandbach Food Distribution Alliance' - hot on the heels of the King's milestone coronation food project launched as part of his 75th birthday.

A team of volunteers collects and delivers food to various locations in the town – and a local pub has agreed to be a collection centre.

Now the group has plans to start a 'social supermarket', following in the footsteps of towns such as Northwich and Congleton.

Cllr Nevitt said she got the idea from Sandbach Co-op Member Pioneer, Arnie Laing, after hearing about surplus food being put into landfill as stores are not able to sell it.

Sandbach Co-op Member Pioneer, Arnie Laing (Photo: Nub News)

She said: "He explained to me that at the current time, there is surplus food going to landfill at the end of the day.

"If food is marked as 'end of shelf life' although it is still edible, the stores are not allowed to sell it.

"We decided to try and find places who would be interested in taking this food and distributing it."

The project distributes food to various locations in the town, including Wellgate Supported Living, the Marriott House Monday Club and the Sandbach branch of the Stroke Survivors Speech and Language Group.

Sandbach pub, The Military Arms in Congleton Road is a distribution point on Tuesdays.

A message on the pub's Social Media says: "Let's tackle this issue by starting with food waste.

The Military Arms is taking part in the project. (Photo: Nub News)

"For personal or business use, we really don't mind. Come along to our first 'Help Yourself' initiative on Tuesdays from 12pm."

A spokesperson for the pub said: "You wouldn't believe the amount of food waste that supermarkets have and our local councillor Ann Nevitt, is determined to tackle this issue.

"By partnership with Sandbach Co-ops and Morrisons, we're able to offer food products/ingredients to you for free.

"Each Tuesday, we will be opening our doors to let you help yourself to this food, food which is perfectly good, still in date and ready to eat. If you'd like to help in supporting this initiative, please do so by coming to us from 12 pm until it's gone."

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