The growing impact of FoodSavers

With 28 FoodSavers outlets now open across Bradford, Leeds and Calderdale, this month FoodSavers members saved a huge £1,782 into their personal Credit Union savings accounts through shopping at FoodSavers. That’s on top of the savings they already make on their weekly shop – getting a weekly shop for typically £7 or £8 pounds. That’s enough food for around 11,180 meals this month.

One customer shared:

I can budget much better knowing I can get some of my regular items from the market. I like to come in and meet new people that I wouldn’t normally meet. I get to try veg I’ve never tried and we share different ways of cooking things. Not sure how I managed food wise before I attended the market.

Another added:

I started by putting away the £1 with my shopping in the Credit Union. Now I pay £10 in a week and at Christmas the money in my Credit Union account pays for all my Christmas presents! It’s brilliant!

Another simply said:

Without this, I couldn’t do my week.

In 2024, members made 30,895 visits to our pantries, taking home enough food for 185,370 meals, and saving a massive £24,005 into their personal Credit Union savings account, showing the power of building a regular savings habit that can build safety and resilience.

FoodSavers offers high quality fresh and store cupboard food for a low weekly membership fee (typically £6), at locations across West Yorkshire. Much of our food is unwanted or surplus food, intercepted from being wasted. Membership also gives you the opportunity to attend cookery classes, save in a recognised Credit Union scheme, and enjoy other benefits, dependent on location.