Blossoming surplus fruit exchange project in Stroud is looking to branch out

The Fruit Exchange scheme was set up by Down to Earth in July 2015 with the aim of encouraging people to donate their unwanted garden fruit to local businesses in return for drinks vouchers at local cafes.

The community-led project – which is the first of its kind in Gloucestershire - seeks to connect food outlets with those with surplus produce, as well as encourage the sale of locally grown produce across the Five Valleys.

Since its conception the not-for-profit project has seen hundreds of exchanges and kilos of fruit that was destined for waste redirected on to local businesses.

In return, people have been treated to vouchers for popular local foodie hotspots like Asparagasm in Nailsworth, The Old Lodge in Minchinhampton and Star Anise Café in Stroud.

Alexandra Sore, coordinator of The Fruit Exchange said the project is now hoping to expand to cover the whole of Gloucestershire.

“We’re running the Fruit Exchange again this year and hoping it will be even bigger and better than last year,” she said.

“Since we started in 2015 it’s been fantastic – people have been so generous and exchanged kilos and kilos of unwanted fruit from their allotments and gardens.

“We’ve had everything from blackcurrants, figs and grapes to pears, plums, rhubarb and apples. And some of the more interesting fruit donated included gooseberries, greengages, quinces and redcurrants.

“We are so happy to see so many people getting engaged with growing their own produce and helping to stop so much food going to waste.

“This year we are hoping to cover a wider area, so we want to engage other businesses across Gloucestershire to get involved.

“We are also applying for grants and looking for other funding possibilities to pay for the cost of running and promoting the project.

“This time round we’ll also be setting up connections between growers and the cafes and restaurants directly so that people know exactly where they can drop off fruit themselves.”

She said there are currently around seven or eight places in Stroud district where people can claim vouchers.

These include the Bisley House Café in Stroud, Munchinhampton in Minchinhampton, The Weighbridge Inn near Nailsworth and The Pepper Pot Restaurant in Dursley.

“All the fresh fruit that is exchanged goes towards making delicious cakes, deserts and juices,” added Alex.

“It’s really a win-win situation for the growers and the businesses. It fantastic to see this local produce used in local cafes and supporting the local food economy.”

Alexandra is helped out by a team of passionate team of six volunteers.

If you are a business in Gloucestershire interested in participating, or would like to volunteer, email Alexandra Sore at fruitexchange@downtoearthstroud.co.uk or call 07923 244928.

For a full list of food outlets and ideas for donations click here.