Horsforth Community Café Turns Surplus Food into Shared Meals

Key Points

• Horsforth Community Café operates on a “pay as you feel” basis, promoting inclusivity and waste reduction.
• The café uses surplus food that would otherwise be discarded, turning it into nutritious meals.
• The project runs every Monday between 10am and 2pm at The Parish Centre, St Margaret’s Church in Horsforth, with lunch served at noon.
• It is powered by volunteers and donations from locals and businesses.
• The café forms part of a wider network of community initiatives addressing food waste and social isolation.
• Organisers are calling for more local volunteers and surplus food contributions.
• The project has received strong community support and positive attention on social media.
• Anyone interested in volunteering or donating can contact the team via Facebook.

The Horsforth Community Café, run from The Parish Centre at St Margaret’s Church, has become a beacon of community solidarity and sustainability. Using surplus food that would otherwise be thrown away, volunteers prepare wholesome meals for local residents — all available on a “pay as you feel” basis. The initiative, which runs every Monday from 10am to 2pm, with lunch served at 12pm, not only combats food waste but also fosters social connection among residents.

What is the Horsforth Community Café and what makes it unique?

As reported by Yorkshire Evening Post community correspondent Abbey Maclure, the Horsforth Community Café stands out because it merges environmental responsibility with social inclusion. It operates under the Real Junk Food Project ethos — an idea born in West Yorkshire that encourages the use of edible surplus food for community benefit.

Each Monday, volunteers set up the café inside St Margaret’s Church Parish Centre, transforming rescued produce into delicious meals. The café doesn’t have fixed prices; instead, customers are invited to contribute whatever they can — whether financially or through volunteering.

Speaking to Leeds Live, one of the volunteers, Sarah Hollings, said that “every portion served at the café is a victory against waste and loneliness.” She explained that the café isn’t just about meals, but also “about meaningful collaboration and giving people a place where they belong.”

How does the ‘pay as you feel’ model work?

As highlighted in a BBC Leeds community report, the “pay as you feel” system means there are no price tags. Visitors can give money, help with washing dishes, serve tea, or donate fresh produce in exchange for their meal.

According to the project’s organisers, led by Horsforth Food Hub, the model removes financial barriers while encouraging community participation. “It’s about equality,” said volunteer coordinator James Davies in comments to BBC Radio Leeds.

“We don’t want anyone to feel excluded because of cost. Everyone’s welcome, whether they can pay or not.”

The organisers also noted that any funds raised go directly towards covering rent, energy costs, and kitchen supplies, ensuring the café remains operational and sustainable.

Where does the surplus food come from?

In coverage by Leeds Community News Network, it was reported that most of the surplus ingredients come from local supermarkets, bakeries, and restaurants that partner with the café to reduce food waste. These include donations from Co-op, Tesco Horsforth, and several smaller independent retailers.

Volunteer Emma Francis told Leeds Community News Network that

“we work closely with redistribution networks like Fareshare and local shop owners. They support us with safe, good-quality food that’s just past its sell-by date but perfectly good to eat.”

The project aligns with national campaigns to reduce landfill waste and promote sustainable community practices. According to DEFRA data shared in The Guardian’s environmental supplement, the UK throws away approximately 9.5 million tonnes of food annually, much of which could still be consumed — efforts like Horsforth’s aim to reverse that trend locally.

How has the café impacted the Horsforth community?

Yorkshire Post columnist Rebecca Marston recently described the café as “a bright illustration of people uniting for purpose — repurposing food, rebuilding connection, and restoring dignity.” Regular visitors reportedly include families, elderly residents, and students who crave affordable, nutritious meals in a social environment.

Local parish member Anne Warburton told ITV Yorkshire News that the café also functions as a “social hub” where people facing isolation can come to talk, share experiences, and meet others.

“It’s about fellowship — we feed the body and the soul,”

she said.

Feedback on the café’s Facebook page has also been overwhelmingly positive, with users praising the friendliness of volunteers and the quality of food. The page regularly posts updates, photos, and calls for volunteers or specific donations.

How can people get involved or volunteer at the café?

The organisers have made it simple for residents to offer their time, skills, or spare food. As confirmed on the official Horsforth Food Hub Facebook page, volunteers are welcome to “drop in at any time during the café sessions or message directly via social media.”

Speaking to BBC Radio Leeds, coordinator James Davies expressed that “anyone can help — we welcome cooks, servers, organisers, or simply friendly faces who can chat with guests.”

Prospective volunteers are encouraged to bring surplus ingredients, especially fresh vegetables, bread, and dairy items.

“We can make something wonderful out of anything,”

said Ms Hollings.

How does the café fit into the broader anti-waste movement?

The Horsforth Community Café is part of a growing national trend where local food hubs, charities, and churches repurpose surplus stock into community benefit. Similar projects operate in Sheffield, Huddersfield, and York, often linked through The Real Junk Food Project (TRJFP) network.

As The Guardian reported in its 2024 sustainability roundup, many of these hubs have seen sharp increases in attendance due to rising living costs and increased awareness about food waste.

Environmental campaigner Adam Smith, founder of TRJFP, was quoted in the same article saying,

“Community cafés like Horsforth’s model the circular economy perfectly — local waste turned into local nourishment.”

What’s next for the Horsforth Community Café?

The team plans to expand its outreach, potentially offering evening meals and family cooking workshops. According to Yorkshire Evening Post, organisers have discussed adding educational activities on budgeting, food storage, and healthy cooking to empower residents even further.

Volunteer coordinator James Davies told Leeds Live that “our dream is to make Horsforth a zero-food-waste town.” He added that they hope to bring schools and youth groups into the project to “embed these values early on.”

Future plans also involve partnerships with Leeds City Council and potential collaborations with local farms to source seasonal produce directly.

The Horsforth Community Café serves as a shining example of what can happen when environmental responsibility meets community spirit. With open doors, warm meals, and an open-hearted philosophy of “pay as you feel,” it continues to redefine what community dining can look like.

Anyone wishing to volunteer, donate food, or simply share a meal can visit the café at The Parish Centre, St Margaret’s Church, Horsforth, on Mondays between 10am and 2pm, or connect via Horsforth Food Hub Facebook Page.