A local organisation tackling food waste is one of 11 projects benefitting from the latest round of Exeter City Grants funding.
Exeter Food Action is an independent charity which collects surplus food that would otherwise go to waste and re-distribute it to over 70 frontline organisations across Exeter and Devon.
It works with a range of local supermarkets and restaurants that donate food that has either damaged packaging, a short shelf life or is surplus to requirements, but still perfectly safe to eat, which is then redistributed to people that need it.
The charity received £2,000 from the Exeter Grants Programme, to go towards the first ever Exeter Food Action Festival, with the hopes of raising awareness of food waste and to encourage more volunteers to join their cause.
The festival took place in Princesshay on Sunday 20 September, which coincided with World Cleanup Day, tying in nicely with the message of the event.
Wendy Kearns, Exeter Food Action Manager, described the event as a truly fabulous day: “We are so grateful for the support we have received to make our first ever Exeter Food Action Festival happen. The feedback we have had has been incredible.
“On the day, and beyond, we have signed up new volunteers, hugely increased our reach on Instagram and most importantly people have started talking about and being more aware of reducing food waste”, she said.
The organisation, founded in 2011, currently has three part-time staff and just one full-time employee, relying on over 65 volunteers who helped to provide a staggering 273,750 meals in 2025 alone.
The funding awarded was part of the first of three rounds of annual City Grants funding, from an overall budget of £60,000. The second round is now open for applications until Tuesday 13 October.
Cllr Liz Pole, Lead Councillor with responsibility for Communities, said: “It’s amazing to see the funding going to brilliant causes. Exeter Food Action are doing fantastic work in battling food waste and helping those in need.
“This is why the funding exists. To support organisations who are benefitting the communities they represent and making a positive impact on the people and places around them.
“I’m grateful to everyone who has taken the time to apply and would encourage any groups, specifically in our priority neighbourhoods, to apply for the next round of funding before the 13 October deadline. There is still funding available, and this is a great opportunity to get support for projects that will benefit local communities,” she said.
To find out more about the Exeter Grants Programme, visit: Exeter grants programme - Exeter City Council
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