In January, we saw the launch of GreenBox Okehampton, a brand-new project making healthy food more accessible while helping to fight food waste.

At Okehampton Primary School, for just £2.50, families can pick up a food box packed with fresh and nutritious surplus food that would have otherwise gone to waste – meaning families who take part are helping to fight food waste and promote environmental sustainability.

The response has been incredible! In just their second week, 40 food boxes were collected, proving just how much this initiative is needed.

This fantastic project was created by Melissa Trudgill, who is the Community Lead at Dartmoor Multi-Academy Trust, with support from LiveWest and us, FareShare South West. LiveWest provides key funding while we supply the fresh fruit, veg and dairy – the kind of healthy essentials that aren’t always available at food banks.

“There is absolutely no shame in coming forward to get this food. We hope it’ll also help those that need it. My hope is that this will keep growing, and that we can add more satellite projects like cooking classes and extra things at Easter and Christmas.”

Melissa, Community Lead at Dartmoor Multi-Academy Trust

Why this matters

Okehampton is the most deprived area in West Devon, with 56% of households living in deprivation. That’s why GreenBox Okehampton is so important – it’s helping local families access fresh, healthy food without breaking the bank.

GreenBox Okehampton isn’t just about food – it’s also about community. Every Thursday after school, parents can pop in for a cuppa, cake and a chat with Greta, the school’s Family Liaison Officer.

“I’m a single mum of four, and we struggle with food especially as the kids have eating issues. I used to be a cook in a special school, and this is amazing. I’ve got fresh bread, and I’m going to make sweet potato and black bean chilli, and I’ve got potatoes for chips.”

Laura (not her real name), the new project’s very first customer and mum at Okehampton Primary School

Right now, GreenBox Okehampton is open to families with children in nursery, reception and Year 1 at Okehampton Primary School, but the team is working hard to expand the project to reach even more families soon!