About Us
Welcome to the home of Kendal Community Food Larder and Kendal People’s Cafe, two exciting food projects delivered through Waste into Wellbeing, part of South Lakes Action on Climate Change.
Waste to Wellbeing is a volunteer led, social project at the heart of Kendal’s Food Community. Food from local supermarkets, shops and eateries which would otherwise be wasted is turned into nourishing meals, provided on a pay what you can basis, or is re-distributed to residents in need through a community larder.
Our overall goal is to reduce the amount of waste and surplus food generated by the food system (wholesalers, hospitality and retailers) in Kendal. Our existing work is reflected in the recommendations of the Kendal Climate Change Citizens’ Jury, and we are keen to now leverage our existing operation and network, to develop a comprehensive town-wide approach to reduce food waste. The ultimate outcome is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and help achieve Zero Carbon Kendal.
Community Food Larder
Our Food Larder is part of Hubbub’s Community Fridge Network. Volunteers work hard to collect, sort and store food ready to share it with local residents through Kendal Community Food Larder. Details below.
Waste into Wellbeing runs a community food larder at The Eddington, our new venue behind the old URC Chapel in Highgate, Kendal LA9 4HE. The larder is open to anyone and individuals are invited to browse the food and drink available, taking what they need. Please note, restrictions may apply to ensure a fair share. The larder is open Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday 12:00-13:30 in the our new venue at The Eddington. Minimum £2 contribution requested per bag collected.
The food we have on offer is surplus donations from local food retailers and food re-distribution charity Fare Share. It is rescued food which would otherwise have been wasted. Whilst all the food is perfectly fine, it might have a short use-by date. Due to the fluctuating supply we cannot guarantee what we will have available each week, but we try to share what we have as fairly as possible.
Kendal People’s Cafe
The team of volunteers run a vibrant and social pay-as-you-can community café. The cafe will open again in September fro our new home at The Eddington behind the old URC Chapel at 116a Highgate LA9 4HE. We hope to open the new cafe on Saturday 7th September all being well..
The Cafe will run on Saturdays 11:30-14:00 starting in September ( To be announced). All meals, snacks and drinks are served on a pay-as-you-can basis. All donations made help to cover our ongoing costs and support our work within the community, allowing us to rescue more surplus food from going to waste and reach more people.
Kendal Community Kitchen
New to Waste into Wellbeing, Kendal Community Kitchen is a pilot programme which aims to grow a creative and inclusive food community here in Kendal. It builds on the vibrant social offer of Kendal People’s Cafe and is inspired by our love of sharing good food. The programme launched in November 2022 with a series of pop-up food events.
Lunch Bunch
Waste into Wellbeing is delighted to be working with the marvellous nurses and carers of the local NHS Integrated Care in the Community team. The Lunch Bunch scheme sees vulnerable and socially isolated elderly residents gather together once a month for a two-course lunch and a good natter.
Get Involved
Volunteer!
If you like what we do and have some spare time, whether it be a couple of hours a week, or a couple of hours a month, then take a look at our volunteering page for more information.
Donate Surplus Food
If you’re a business with surplus food stock or a resident with a glut of homegrown produce, read about how you can donate here.
Monetary Donations
We welcome donations from organisations and individuals alike. These financial contributions help sustain the support we offer the community and rescue more food from landfill.
Recipe Inspiration
If you’re looking for inspiration on what to cook with waste food or tips on how to reduce your food waste then check out some recipe inspiration from our friends at Growing Well.
Latest news
To follow our latest news and updates, sign up to our mailing list. Don’t worry, we won’t bombard you with emails, but it is a useful way for us to share news with you, or let you know if we have to make last minute changes or cancellations to our cafe or larder sessions.
Social Media
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Our Supporters
Thank you to the following organisations who are currently supporting us through grant funding or in-kind contributions:
Special thanks must also go to the number of private donors who support our operation with one-off or regular donations.
Sincere thanks must go to the following organisations who are committed to reducing food waste while supporting the community.
