Go Green Week

Go Green Week takes place at the University from Monday 12th – 16th February 2024, and we are highlighting the importance of sustainability even more this week and the part we all continue to play in working together to reduce the negative impact on our environment, as there is currently no planet B! See below for what happening during Go Green Week.

As the University’s catering and retail provider, we always strive to minimise food waste, and that also means collaborating with others who put into action ways to reduce food waste wherever possible.

Working closely with the Students’ Union Food Rescue Volunteers Society, volunteers collect surplus food from University campus outlets (Monday – Friday), record items and weight and place in community fridge located in the Percy Gee Building for students and staff to take for free at the end of the day.

The hallmark of these Community Kitchens is our commitment to minimising food waste.

From the start of this academic year to date, the current cumulative weight of food waste saved is: 166.72 kg (978 items).

Autumn term (4 weeks) = 101.66 kg (596 items)
Summer term (so far) = 65.02 kg (382 items)
Biggest individual collection – Autumn term = 9.96 kg (49 items)
Biggest individual collection – Spring term = 12.42 kg (58 items)

Melissa Barwell, President of the Food Rescue Volunteers Society said: “I am ecstatic that we have saved over 160kg of food from being wasted, which wouldn’t be possible without the hard work and commitment of our volunteers. However, I am even more proud that we are able to contribute to increasing food accessibility on campus for students during such a difficult time for cost of living.

Our Community Kitchens are not just about taking food but also donating any surplus food, tinned goods and long life items. If you would like to get involved in donating, email su-foodrescue@leicester.ac.uk

Each Community Kitchen also have kitchenette facilities available for all students and staff to use, including a microwave, fridge and hot water.

Gavin Brown, Leicester Services Partnership CEO, said: “As the success of these community kitchens grow, so does their potential to effect change. They are proving that a return to communal values and sustainable practices can lead to a brighter, more interconnected future.”

He added: “Collaborative relationships with different departments across the University and Students’ Union are so important to us and we value those partnerships.”

Exclusively for Go Green Week only, (12th – 16th February), staff and students with their UPAY Rewards Club account can get exclusive access to UPAY prices on a variety items.

For a limited time only, using your UPAY Rewards in selected outlets and get your hands on sustainable items at UPAY prices and help to do your part, as small changes can make a big difference.

Our Craft Coffee supplier will be giving away FREE SAMPLES of coffee from our Crafty Van – our fully electric coffee vehicle.

Come join us for free coffee and hear about their Carbon Pledge and the ways they are helping to reduce their carbon footprint with a goal to be carbon neutral by the end of 2025.

Tuesday 13th February
12pm – 2pm
Campus Kitchen, Percy Gee Building

Details about their Carbon Pledge can be found HERE.