In the UK alone, an alarming 9.5 million tonnes of food are discarded each year, despite 8.4 million people experiencing food poverty. Globally, over one-third of all food produced goes to waste, contributing to environmental harm through greenhouse gas emissions and highlighting inefficiencies in resource use.
Tackling this issue at a local level
For the past two years, BS3 Jammin' has been making a significant impact on these issues in the heart of Southville, Bristol.
It is an initiative helping to reduce food waste, increase food knowledge, and support the local community.
The event is hosted by St Paul’s Church in Southville,and in collaboration with South and East Bristol Foodbank (Trussell Trust) and a ministry of In Hope Bristol. It was born out of a desire to:
- Reduce food waste
- Celebrate local produce
- Increase people’s cooking knowledge
- Foster a sense of community through shared meals
- Gain support for the local foodbank outlet
The idea is simple but powerful: gather food and jars from the local community, and use them to create preserves, juices, and other delicious dishes. But the initiative doesn’t stop at food—it’s grown into a multifaceted project that engages people of all ages with a wide range of activities.
Community Engagement and Sustainability in Action
BS3 Jammin' partnered with several local organisations to enhance the experience for everyone involved, their partners include;
- Sirona Healthcare provided kits for making bird feeders with apples and seeds, and offered activities like decorating plant pots.
- The Eden Project led information sessions and crafts, sparking conversations about sustainability.
- Creative Waves taught participants how to make carrier bags from old t-shirts, reducing plastic waste.
- Malago Medical gave talks about local plants and their health benefits, encouraging people to explore the natural resources in their area.
- 50 Ways to Cook / Circular Food Campaign provided valuable advice on composting and waste management.
- Long Ashton Growers – community growing organic food locally
With such a diverse range of activities, BS3 Jammin' offerered something for everyone, all while keeping the focus on sustainability and community cohesion.
"I loved the event and how it covered everything from growing to picking, processing, cooking, eating and composting, the full circle!"
Representative from Long Ashton Growers
Turning Food Waste into Community Spirit
The event drew in between 200-250 people each day, and the project was able to double the funds raised for the foodbank compared to the previous year and gathered over half a ton of Bristol grown food. From this incredible harvest and with the help of brilliant chefs (including Bill Bennet Clark from Bristol City College / Quartier Vert, Woei Lee (last year's Masterchef contestant), Patricia Dillon from Cafe Abundance (a food waste cafe in Plymouth), Elliott and Tess Lidstone from Box E and Jenny Bhambri-Lyte, an avid passionate local jam maker) more than 30 different dishes, preserves, and juices were created.
There was a cooking competition for the public, with one simple rule: participants had to incorporate something from the harvest—either locally grown or foraged. Each contestant prepared their dish at home and brought it to BS3 Jammin for judging.
This year's winner wowed the judges with an aubergine and veal hotpot accompanied by a smoked chilli sauce, using locally grown aubergines and chillies. Last year’s winner created a delicious apple and almond galette.
All food scraps were composted, feeding into a local composting initiative.
The initiative’s leader, Cags, was inspired to take action after witnessing food shortages in supermarkets following the COVID-19 pandemic. Her mission was to show people that there are many overlooked sources of food right in the neighbourhoods.
Cags mapped out local foraging spots, from herb planters at the train station to accessible fruit trees in car parks, demonstrating that there’s more available than most people realise.
“I'm blown away by what we achieved together and how many amazing people volunteered and donated to make this all happen! This wasn't just about cutting down on wasted food - it was about bringing people together, showcasing all the food we are able to grow and learning all the delicious ways we can cook and preserve the harvest in a fun and engaging way. Organising BS3 Jammin' is just an absolute joy!”
Cags Diep
A Replicable Model for Other Communities
The BS3 Jammin’ is ready to share its model with other communities. With food instability a growing concern globally, projects like BS3 Jammin’ offer a way to harness naturally growing produce while fostering community and promoting a circular economy.
As we face increasing food insecurity, initiatives like this will become ever more critical, showing us how to work together as a community to make the most of what we have.
Could you create a similar event in your area?
Vicar of St Paul, Southville Jacqui Kean’s theological reflection
BS3 Jammin' beautifully reflects principles of creation, abundance, and the call to stewardship found in Scripture. The BS3 Jammin’ Initiative reflects this stewardship by reducing waste and making full use of the abundant gifts in nature.
One of the foundational themes in the Bible is that God's creation offers more than enough for all—if we take only what we need and ensure that others can share in the abundance. This aligns with the practice of leaving the edges of the fields for the poor and strangers to glean, as commanded in Leviticus 19 and demonstrated in the story of Ruth. Boaz, following this principle and acting with generosity allowed Ruth to gather grain, thus ensuring the vulnerable were not left out. This same ethos of ensuring no one is forgotten is mirrored in BS3 Jammin’s mission to reduce food waste and feed the local community.
In the face of growing food insecurity, this initiative also embodies the gospel's call to care for one another (Matthew 25:35). By coming together to harvest local produce, repurpose food waste, and share knowledge, the community is not only promoting sustainability but also fostering a sense of unity. The collaboration with local organizations emphasizes the collective action needed to care for both creation and those in need, reflecting the biblical call to love and serve our neighbours. The word "jammin’" in this context captures not only the production of food but also the flow of conversation and the exchange of skills within the community.
Looking Ahead
As we look to the future, we invite more people to join us in this effort. BS3 Jammin’ shows how communities can come together, make the most of local resources, and ensure that everyone shares in the abundance around us. Whether you’re interested in preserving, cooking, growing, or simply sharing a meal, we welcome you to be part of this movement. Together, we can work towards a sustainable, food-secure future for all. Find out more about BS3 Jammin on their Facebook and Instagram.
Photography - Jake Greenwood