VOLUNTEER waste reduction groups across Mid Devon and Teignbridge are ‘thriving’ thanks to Devon County Council’s (DCC) Community Action Groups Devon (CAG Devon) project.

The project, which is funded by DCC and managed by Resource Futures, has helped these groups more than double the amount of carbon that they have prevented from going into the atmosphere.

Together their actions have increased carbon dioxide emissions saved from 60.6 tonnes to 139 tonnes, equivalent to the electricity needed to support 100 homes for a year.

CAG food projects have saved more than 32 tonnes of food from waste, equivalent to 40 supermarket delivery vans full of food, enough to feed a family of four for 10 years.

And some of these projects are also helping local communities cope with the cost-of-living crises with community larders and fridges, that were developed during the pandemic, becoming increasingly popular.

One project in particular, Uffculme Green Team (UGT), offer give and take events giving people the chance to exchange essential items for free, while their surplus food redistribution scheme diverts food from waste into the local community.

With the pressure on household budgets a constant concern amongst the community it has developed into a busy community hub in the car park of the local doctor’s surgery, a space where volunteers and residents meet daily, sharing food and mutual support.

One volunteer said: ‘It’s about more than just food, I have chatted to more people here than anywhere else in Uffculme, this encompasses everything, everyone.’

Over the last year the project has given expert guidance, training, knowledge, skills, and provided networking opportunities to help these local groups.

Cabinet Member for Public Health, Communities and Equality, Councillor Roger Croad, said: ‘The CAG Devon project is a great example of Devon County Council supporting communities to find local solutions to issues that really make a difference to their community.

‘These projects also inspire other groups to act, setting up a ripple effect across our towns and villages.’