MADAM – In a letter from Chris Harmer, dated June 11, it is suggested that we were simply throwing away bananas that were out of date.

That is not the case and I felt it was important to clarify our position on waste food.

We’re committed to treading lightly and doing the right thing, and since 2012 we have not sent any food waste to landfill.

In fact, we were the first national retailer to use anaerobic digestion across all of its branches.

We work to reduce food waste in the first place through accurate ordering, and then reducing items to sell to customers.

Any items left over are then offered for sale to our partners or used in the partner dining-room.

We then work with food charities in the area to provide our surplus food to those in need.

Only once we have explored these options do we then send food waste for anaerobic digestion to be converted into green energy.

If there are any local charities who would like to work with us, please get in touch.

Richard Clare

Stroud branch manager

Waitrose