Macknade & Wasted Kitchen: A Partnership for Sustainability and Community Impact
Written by: Rosie Collins
At Macknade, we believe that partnerships and community are the foundations of meaningful change.
By working with Wasted Kitchen, we’re able to create a greater impact, both locally and beyond. Our collaboration is driven by a shared commitment to sustainability, and together, we’re transforming surplus produce into something truly special.
Our partnership began with a simple yet powerful goal: to reintegrate surplus produce into the food cycle, making it a normal and commercially viable part of our operations.
At the heart of this collaboration, Wasted Kitchen purchases surplus produce from us and other local suppliers, turning it into delicious, high-quality meals, salads, ferments, and pickles. These creations are then:
- Sold on our Deli and on our Shop Floor —including meals, salads, ferments, pickles, and ‘pimps’ like the ever-popular Pistachio Dukkah
- Served in Macknade Café - for customers to enjoy on-site
- Available through Wasted Kitchen subscriptions and website—including Friday Feasts Freezer Meals, Ferment Subscriptions, and event food.
Last year, Wasted Kitchen moved into our Food Village, making it even easier for them to access the other suppliers who regularly visit. This has allowed us to expand our project, increasing its reach and impact. Together, we’re demonstrating how businesses can collaborate to create a more sustainable and connected food system.
Celebrating Success
We’re incredibly excited to share that Wasted Kitchen has been recognised for its outstanding work by being named a finalist in this year’s BBC Food & Farming Awards, in the Small Eatery, Street Food & Takeaway category. This recognition is a testament to the dedication and passion that drives everything Wasted Kitchen does and reflects the success of our partnership. We couldn’t be prouder!
Building Skills for a Sustainable Future
Our collaboration extends beyond food production. With the move to Macknade, Wasted Kitchen has been able to run Skillshare programmes and share their passion for sustainability and good food with a wider audience. These workshops, including Bite Size Nutrition developed in partnership with Nutritionist Virginia Hills, and Kitchen Mojo, cover topics such as:
- Intro to Gut Health
- Eating for Hormonal Balance
- Understanding Ultra-Processed Foods
- Full of Beans – Getting More Beans & Pulses onto Your Plate
- Beginners Guide to Fermenting
These sessions are designed to give people the knowledge and skills to build their confidence in the kitchen. Find out what's coming up over on our events page!
By coming together, we are not just tackling food waste—we’re working towards food sustainability in our community. Our partnership is a great example of what can be achieved when businesses unite around a common goal, and we’re thrilled to continue this journey, creating lasting change for the better.
