The Real Junk Food Project moves into Wakefield's Ridings shopping centre

The social enterprise is looking to open a supermarket at the centre though food is currently ordered online and then picked up.

Adam Smith, founder of The Real Junk Food Project, said: “The use of the units at The Ridings is a collaboration between ourselves and The Art House in Wakefield. This is part of our shared aim of using available space to bring people together. For us that’s through distributing surplus food to all and for Arthouse it’s

bringing people together through community art.

“Having a well-appointed base from which to store food and assemble the Magic Boxes, as well as distribute our complementary boxes makes a world of difference to us. "

"The food packs can be purchased via the Too Good To Go app and being centrally located in the Ridings means people can collect them safely.

"This is currently the focus of efforts during COVID-19 but our longer-term aim is to open a social supermarket on the site with food available on a pay as you feel basis.

"There is potential to roll this model out across the UK.

“Thank you to everyone involved at The Ridings for your amazing support. It makes a huge difference in allowing us to carry out our vital work of feeding bellies not bins.”

Lee Appleton, Centre Director at The Ridings commented, “We are delighted to be able to provide this free space within our shopping centre to the Real Junk Food Project, the work they do to support the local community is invaluable."