Speke community project secures £8k to help residents reduce food waste and promote sustainability

A community project in Speke has secured a £7,842 grant to help residents reduce food waste, learn vital cooking skills, and promote environmental sustainability.

The “Mint Meals, Minus Waste” project, led by Groundwork Cheshire, Lancashire and Merseyside, will be delivered in partnership with South Liverpool Homes and its food pantry, ‘The Market Place’.

The supporting grant has been awarded through the Zero Waste Community Fund 2025/26 which is managed by Merseyside Recycling and Waste Authority and Veolia. The Fund aims to increase reuse, waste reduction, recycling, and sustainability across the region. 

This project will take a practical, community-oriented approach to improving food-related skills. It aims to reduce household food waste across south Liverpool by increasing awareness of its environmental and economic impacts and promoting sustainable consumption practices. Residents will benefit from a range of activities delivered at Groundwork’s ‘Grow Speke’ project site and The Market Place. Workshops and shared resources will focus on:

• Smart shopping and meal planning
• Effective food storage and understanding date labels
• Healthy cooking and appropriate portion control
• Inventive ways to use leftovers, including monthly “Cook and Eat” sessions
• Community composting workshops

 A new community fridge will also be established at Grow Speke to encourage the redistribution of surplus food within the community.

Jon Hutchinson, Director at Groundwork Cheshire, Lancashire and Merseyside, said:

“We are thrilled to launch ‘Mint Meals, Minus Waste’ in partnership with South Liverpool Homes,”

“This funding allows us to connect directly with residents at trusted community hubs like Grow Speke and The Market Place. 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.”

Lesley Worswick, Chief Executive of Merseyside Recycling and Waste Authority, said:

“Preventing waste is a key priority for the Authority, and food waste is a major contributor to climate change. The ‘Mint Meals, Minus Waste’ project is a fantastic, grassroots initiative that addresses this challenge head-on. By supporting Groundwork, the Zero Waste Community Fund is investing in practical education that changes daily habits. This project will not only help reduce food waste but will also build a more resilient and environmentally conscious community.”

The project will directly engage with over 360 residents through its workshops and pantry discussions, with information also reaching thousands more tenants across South Liverpool.

Visit the Merseyside Recycling and Waste Authority website here.

Find out the latest in Liverpool here.

Find out what’s good up North on our new platform, The Northern Guide. 

From the best hotels, beauty spots, days out, food and more up North – visit thenorthernguide.com and follow The Northern Guide on Instagram HERE.