BMECP Joins Food Use Places: Reducing Food and Packaging Waste Together
BMECP is proud to be part of Food Use Places, a Brighton & Hove Food Partnership programme that brings together 18 organisations across Sussex to reduce food and packaging waste and support community-led climate action. The programme is funded by the National Lottery Community Fund and works with trusted, community-rooted organisations to help create a new culture of using food wisely and reducing unnecessary waste.
Food Use Places is based on a simple idea: too much food is wasted, while valuable resources are lost through avoidable food and packaging waste. The project helps communities develop practical skills, knowledge and confidence to waste less, reuse more, and make positive changes that benefit both people and the planet.
As part of this 12-month programme, BMECP will engage Black and Minority Ethnic communities across Brighton & Hove, ensuring that people who are often underrepresented in climate action initiatives have opportunities to participate, learn and lead.
Through workshops, events and community activities, participants will explore:
- Food waste reduction
- Recycling and sustainable packaging practices
- Composting and food growing
- Cooking with surplus ingredients
- Food sharing and community meals
- Simple ways to reduce waste at home and in the community
BMECP is committed to creating an inclusive space where communities can connect, learn and drive positive change together. Through this project, we will empower residents with practical skills and knowledge that support healthier communities and a more sustainable future. This work aligns with the wider Food Use Places mission of minimising food’s impact on the environment through collective action and community collaboration.
Why it matters
Around one-third of all food produced is wasted. Food Use Places aims to address this challenge by helping communities adopt a “food use” mindset, where food is valued, shared and used effectively rather than discarded. Working together, communities can reduce waste, save money, improve food security and contribute to climate action.
About Food Use Places
Food Use Places is a partnership project led by Brighton & Hove Food Partnership and delivered by 18 organisations across Sussex. The programme supports communities through composting, food growing, food sharing, surplus food redistribution, waste reduction, and recycling initiatives.
To learn more about Food Use Places, visit: https://bhfood.org.uk/project/food-use-places/
