Collections initially started once a week in Lamlash and Brodick. Over the next couple of years the scheme grew to have collections running 7 days a week taking food to 8 villages across the island. Arran is unique in running this collect and distribute model which means that Food Share reaches many in our local community.

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With the 2020 lockdown the scheme was temporarily moved in-store to the Brodick and Lamlash Coops before it went back to the collect and distribute model in mid-2022. At the moment there is a network of 60 volunteers collecting the short-life orange label food daily from the Big and Wee Co’s in Brodick and from the Lamlash Coop. As one Lamlash volunteer says;

‘A couple of hours a couple of times a month is a relatively small effort but collectively 365 days a year can make a significant difference which has many rewards.’ 

These collections have saved almost £400,000 and 91 tonnes worth of food from being binned!

Eco Savvys food coordinator Jess Wallace says

‘This is a huge achievement and wouldn’t be possible without the incredible teams of volunteers in villages across the island and the fantastic Coop staff who ensure the food is available to collect. Food Share stops not only the food itself being wasted but all the energy and effort that went into growing, storing, transporting and packaging it. This is an incredible effort by the Arran community to reduce that wastage. A huge well done to all involved!’

Helen McSkimming, store manager in Lamlash Coop says;

Here at the Lamlash Coop we’ve always been really proud to support such a great initiative that has such a positive impact on our community. We hope to continue the Food Share partnership into the future and keep working with our team and the island’s residents towards reducing food waste.

Niall Hackett, store manager at Big Co Brodick says;

The FoodShare partnership on Arran is vital to unnecessary waste. Our stores’ partnership with EcoSavvy makes the scheme the most organised and well-used I have encountered in my time supporting FoodShare schemes – that is testament to the dedication of EcoSavvy volunteers, Coop colleagues and those who make use of the surplus food.

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The Food Share runs at the following times:

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Running Food Shares on the evening of collection ensures that food collected that day can be safely distributed. 

If you are interested in volunteering for the Food Share please contact Jess on jess@arranecosavvy.org.uk. Many thanks to all Coop Staff and the many volunteers around the island who make the scheme possible!