Bellies Not Bins is an organisation in Hadfield that prevents unwanted food from being thrown away and instead uses it to feed local people. 

It receives donations from Marks & Spencer, the Co-op, Lidl, Aldi and others, then bags the items up for collection. 

It’s run by Gill Cross, who told us: "We’re passionate that good food doesn’t end up in landfill. So many people are suffering financially and are going without food to pay their bills. We do ask for a small donation if people want a food package, usually about £2. However we never turn anyone away, even if they can’t make a donation. 

“We rely on our fantastic team of volunteers who collect surplus food, carry out deliveries and give out food parcels. And on the people who donate to us; these include Marks and Spencer, Co-op, Lidl, Aldi, Greggs, Tesco and Fare Share, which is a national charity that distributes unwanted food.” 

Volunteers Vicky and Janice 

People used to be able to go into the Bellies Not Bins base at Carmel Church on Station Road and select what they wanted. But since the Covid-19 pandemic hit, food parcels are made up to be collected or delivered.

The parcels include fresh fruit and vegetables, bread, tinned produce and meat. Volunteers also bag up out-of-date produce and allow people to take it at their own risk. 

A typical food parcel 

Gill added: "Legally we can’t use outdated items in food parcels. Everything included has to be before its ‘best before’ date. But rather than waste it we leave it on a table outside Carmel Church for people to collect if they want to risk eating it. 

“We also spend £100 a week on food to make up the food parcels so they can produce two or three meals. We have some people who come to us regularly and others that just need help occasionally. We don’t judge anyone – we just want to help as many people as possible. 

“We do go through hundreds of carrier bags as we use them to pack the food in, so if anyone has any spare ones please drop them off at Carmel Church on Station Road in Hadfield on a Thursday between 10am and 4pm.” 

If you want to volunteer or use the service, you can contact Gill on 07549 307720. 

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