We’re excited to be providing marketing support for an inspiring new local initiative to save unwanted food in Gloucestershire. The Fruit Exchange is a project by Down to Earth Stroud that’s about to take off across the county, connecting local food outlets such as cafes, pubs and restaurants with people who have surplus fruit, nuts or vegetables. Instead of letting good food go to waste, locals can share their bounty with nearby businesses. In return, the donor receives a voucher from the business. A win-win for everyone involved!

Why it matters

From Down to Earth Stroud’s experience providing gardening services and supporting community food projects, they know just how much surplus fruit goes unused every season. Apples fall and rot, plums go unpicked, all while food outlets import produce from miles away. The Fruit Exchange offers a way to change that story.

By linking local surplus and businesses, the project helps to:

• reduce food waste by making sure seasonal, home-grown produce is enjoyed rather than discarded
• support Gloucestershire’s local food economy, keeping value and relationships close to home
• cut food miles and carbon emissions, while celebrating the flavour and freshness of British-grown fruit and veg

Also there’s nothing quite like the taste of fruit picked that morning, served that afternoon in your favourite local cafe or pub.

We’re supporting Down to Earth Stroud with the launch and promotion and we’ve been busy setting it up and spreading the word whilst also getting businesses on board with the idea.

It’s been a busy few months and we’re delighted with the response from people and the participation from so many. It’s been great to see so much wonderful fruit being used too. We’ve already had coverage in all of the Gloucestershire media including BBC Radio Gloucestershire, Stroud News and Glos Live which all help to spread the word. Plus we have around 15 businesses already signed up, and a list and map of the locations surplus can be taken to is now in place on the website.

How you can get involved

Whether you have surplus fruit, nuts, vegetables or seeds, or would like to help with harvesting, or if you run a local business interested in using fresh, local produce, join the network and help Gloucestershire lead the way in sustainable food: https://www.downtoearthstroud.co.uk/

Whether you’re a grower, a food lover, or a local business owner, your support will help ensure that Gloucestershire’s seasonal harvest is celebrated, not wasted.