Love Brum funding for Real Junk Food Project

Love Brum, the Birmingham-based charity which distributes funds to support the work of local organisations, has awarded its monthly members’ grant to the Real Junk Food Project.

Each month Love Brum selects three organisations based around a theme and its members vote for the cause they want to support with £2,000.

November’s theme of the environment saw The Real Junk Food Project- Birmingham selected ahead of Birmingham and District Beekeepers Association and Martineau Gardens.
The Real Junk Food Project, Birmingham (TRJFPB) was founded in 2014 and diverts edible food waste from landfills and turn it into nutritious meals. Volunteers redistribute six tonnes of food every week.

The idea behind TRJFPB is to highlight and challenge the issue of food waste while creating an inclusive environment for people to come together and eat.  Food waste is a growing concern in the UK with up to 4.2 million tonnes of avoidable food waste being created a year.

The Real Junk Food Project holds regular cafes all over the city, serving over 2,000 meals a month.  Operating on a ‘’pay as you feel’’ basis, where customers can contribute whatever they can whether that be money, time or skills towards the success of the project.

The £2,000 grant from Love Brum will go towards the recruitment of a project co-ordinator, who will manage the day-to-day operations of The Real Junk Food Project.

Runner up, Birmingham and District Beekeepers Association (BDBA) aims to preserve and promote the development of apiculture and educate people on the importance of bees and the joys of beekeeping.

The BDBA formed 86 years years ago.  In the early days, it was run by just 12 beekeepers, who started the association at each other’s homes and small apiaries.  During WW2 they sent honey to help during the war efforts, distributing pots to soldiers on the front line.

Martineau Gardens is a community garden based in the heart of Edgbaston. Its mission is to inspire people about the natural environment and it also provides volunteering opportunities and a venue for educational activities and courses.