Liverpool charity launches Re.Filled – A green initiative tackling food poverty and plastic waste

A local Liverpool charity is making a big impact with a brand-new eco-friendly initiative aimed at tackling food poverty, food waste, and plastic pollution.

St Andrew’s Community Network officially launched Re.Filled earlier this month, a low-waste refill project designed to help families access essential food and household items at a much lower cost than supermarkets, while also reducing single-use plastic waste.

Re.Filled offers food staples like pasta, rice and cereal as well as household essentials at an affordable cost, helping families and households across Liverpool access the essentials they need as costs in supermarkets remain high.

The eco-friendly, low-waste model encourages members to bring their own reusable containers to refill each time they attend a session, reducing single-use and disposable plastic as well as food waste with people just taking the amount of each item they need for the week. Currently priced at just £3 for 10 items, Re.Filled offers a different option for people and also opens the door to further support if needed. 

St Andrew’s Community Network, who have been working to support their communities for over 20 years, also offer other services as they work to set people free from poverty. Their team of debt and welfare benefits advisors provide free, impartial and confidential advice to anyone struggling, and they also coordinate North Liverpool Foodbank in partnership with Trussell, running nine centres across the North of the city. 

Charlotte, Development Lead at St Andrew’s Community Network, said:

“We’re so excited to officially launch Re.Filled! It’s been in the making for nearly a year, and to see everything come together and work so well is incredible. With the cost-of-living crisis continuing to impact our communities, the support we can offer to people is vital and Re.Filled is another way we can help ensure people are able to put food on the table, as well as access the advice and support they need while they’re here.”

Charlotte added:

“One of the great things about it is that the space is completely member-led. We’re constantly asking for feedback on the items available and how the initiative runs from members, and we definitely take this on board. So if everyone says they don’t like the coffee, then we’ll get a different one! Re.Filled is really flexible – it’s about giving our community the support they need whilst also focusing on improving our local environment. We’d love to chat to anyone who’s interested in joining.”

Re.Filled is open to everyone and runs every Tuesday morning from 10am-12pm at the Network’s offices in 16 Larkhill Lane, Clubmoor, L13 9BR. You can contact the Network by calling 0151 226 3406 or emailing media@standrewslive.org.uk.

Find out more about St Andrew’s Community Network and Re.Filled here.

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