A Sheffield food organisation has expanded their popular sustainable meals scheme to the S12 area from tomorrow thanks to a local resident and the Birley ward councillors.
The ‘Just Meals’ initiative was started by Food Works, a non-profit enterprise aiming to reduce waste, as a high-quality, convenient alternative to ready-meals.
When coordinator Jayne Mason, 47, from Frecheville, went with a friend to try one for herself, she thought people in her local area might benefit from having a ‘Just Meals’ hub closer to them.
Ms Mason said: “The meals are amazing and help on so many different levels from reducing landfill to supporting people during the cost of living crisis.
“This scheme is so good it should be in every postcode.”
After contacting Food Works to see if launching the project in the area was possible, Ms Mason realised she’d need a venue to store the frozen meals, so she approached the Birley councillors for help about 12 months ago.
Councillor Denise Fox said: “We were approached by a volunteer asking if we could help find a suitable place to store a freezer. We were happy to offer Scowerdons community centre and help pay towards the upkeep.
“This is a great initiative that we fully support. A homemade nutritious meal for one for £1. Supporting busy families that are struggling with the cost of living.”
The home-cooked dishes come frozen in 100% biodegradable packaging and are packed with vegetables and protein, so people don’t have to compromise price with nutrition.
Ms Mason said: “They’re not just your regular frozen meals and they’ll save residents so much money in energy too as they don’t need to put their oven on.”
The meals can be ordered online from Food Works, and collected on Tuesdays between 4pm and 5pm from Scowerdons Community Centre, who support the project.
The food is available from tomorrow and there’s a minimum donation of £1, or more for those able to.
The scheme is also open to everyone, not just those struggling, with no referral system to reduce potential stigma.
Ms Mason said: “This just wouldn’t have been possible without the Birley councillors and the response has already been so positive on social media.
“I’m so pleased people are taking to the initiative and even if it only helps the S12 area, it’s helping someone.”
To find out more or make an order, visit the Scowerdons Food Works Facebook page here or the Food Works website here.
