Saving Food, Supporting People: Meet Save Food Hub

SAVE Food Hub was born during the COVID-19 lockdown—a time when communities had to come together and find new ways to support one another.

A small group of passionate individuals began collecting surplus food from local supermarkets using a well-known food-sharing app. While the app helped rescue food, it quickly became clear that it wasn’t working for everyone. Many people in the community faced barriers to accessing food through the platform, particularly those without smartphones.

Rather than accept these limitations, the group had a bigger vision: a permanent, accessible community larder where anyone could come and access food.

Building a Space for the Community

Determined to make this vision a reality, SAVE Food Hub partnered with a local CIC to rent a space where they could store food and run regular sessions.

However, challenges remained. The venue had a steep staircase, creating difficulties both for volunteers carrying food and for community members trying to access it. Accessibility—so central to their mission—was still an issue.

Then came a breakthrough.

An opportunity arose to occupy a shop on Queen Street in Seaton, providing a ground-floor, welcoming, and visible space. Since November 2021, Seaton Community Larder has been operating from this fantastic location—now offering food seven days a week.

A Simple Idea with Big Impact

At its heart, SAVE Food Hub exists to ensure that good food is not wasted. Their purpose is clear:

• To collect edible, in-date surplus food and share it freely within the community
• To support local food banks and community food projects
• To act sustainably and aim for zero carbon in all activities

But their impact goes far beyond food.

Changing Perceptions

In our video, volunteer Aileen reflects on one of the biggest challenges:
helping people understand what the larder is really about.

“It’s been quite an education,” she explains.

Many people initially felt that the food “wasn’t for them,” worrying they might be taking it away from someone in greater need. The team has worked hard to shift this mindset—emphasising that saving surplus food is for everyone, and that preventing waste benefits the whole community.

A Supported Community Effort

The local community has played a huge role in making SAVE Food Hub a success.

From generous donations at events like the Seaton Summer Celebration, to funding support from the Town Council, the project is rooted in strong local backing.

Growing Across East Devon

At the time of filming, SAVE Food Hub was operating five hubs across East Devon, with Seaton as its only permanent base. While the Axminster hub has since sadly closed, the project continues to run across multiple locations:

• Seaton – Community Larder at 19 Queen Street, open seven days a week, plus a stocked library community fridge
• Sidmouth – Weekday evening sessions and a Pop-In Community Larder with Sidmouth Voluntary Services
• Colyton – Weekly Thursday evening sessions at the Reece Strawbridge Centre

Each hub plays a vital role in redistributing food and connecting people.

More Than Food

SAVE Food Hub is about more than preventing waste—it’s about building stronger, more connected communities.

Their work also focuses on:

• Creating a safe, inclusive space for volunteers
• Reducing isolation and loneliness
• Supporting people experiencing food poverty
• Signposting to wider services and support