A college is tackling food poverty and waste by offering excess produce to its students.

Glasgow Clyde College’s initiative is available at all three of the institution’s campuses, and invites students to help themselves to unsold dishes and snacks including fruit pots, cakes, sandwiches, and pasta dishes, from 3pm every Friday.

The college says this is part of its wider commitment to sustainability and waste management, and follows the removal of single-use cups from the Cardonald campus in late 2019.

Quick read: Colleges run food banks to tackle student poverty

Background: An open letter to teachers from a parent in poverty

More: How our college is helping to tackle holiday hunger

Environmental impact

John Clark, Glasgow Clyde College’s catering and cleaning services manager, said: “We’re always looking for ways to help reduce our college’s environmental impact.

“This initiative will undoubtedly help to propel our environmental efforts further by preventing quality food from being thrown out, but it will also act as a helping hand for any individuals who may be experiencing food poverty.”

He added: “A throwaway culture now dominates much of the UK and initiatives like this are integral in changing this attitude, as well as helping to embed sustainable practices in everyday life.”

Colleges have introduced a range of initiatives to try to support students struggling. In December, Ayrshire College principal Carol Turnbull wrote about the decision to open the college’s doors between Christmas and New Year to offer lunch to students relying on the institution’s free food offer during term time.