What we do
The Real Junk Food Project Central was incorporated in August 2017 in response to a growing need to address food insecurity in the West Midlands. We believe access to good quality, nutritious and healthy food is a human necessity, and we want to bring communities together through the sharing of food.
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We intercept food destined for waste from supermarkets, restaurants and the catering industry, and make it available for human consumption. Operating a network of community cafes and food markets across Birmingham, our food is always offered on a "Pay As You Feel" basis.
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At The Real Junk Food Project Central, everyone is welcome and no one is ever turned away.
What we believe
Our operations are guided by our belief in bottom-up community development, Pay As You Feel and "Everyone is Welcome". We incorporate these values into everything we do, including the financial management, leadership and developing new community services. Our volunteers promote our values through engaging with local communities to identify needs. We also believe that transparency in our operations, management and decision-making is essential in supporting local communities. You can read about our Board of Directors below.
Simon Edge
Simon is a social entrepreneur from London. After moving to Birmingham and realising the extent of food insecurity and food waste, he became heavily involved with the food waste movement in the West Midlands. Simon is responsible for financial and logistical leadership of TRJFP Central.
As a member of Roundtable and Rotary Club International, Simon has substantial experience in leading community organisations. In his spare time Simon enjoys outdoor pursuits. Simon is a paid employee of The Real Junk Food Project Central.
Jake Sallaway-Costello
Jake is a social scientist from the East Midlands. He became involved in food activism through his public health research. Jake is recognised globally as an expert in health promotion through community development. He is responsible for the social and legal leadership of TRJFP Central.
Jake is a keen americanist and makes regular visits to the US to explore American culture. He enjoys skiing and spending time with his Staffordshire Bull Terriers. Jake is not a paid employee of The Real Junk Food Project Central.
