Leftovers take-aways made easy
A new scheme to help people make the most of leftovers when they eat out is being launched by South Derbyshire District Council (SDDC) with its Waste less, Save more partner Sainsbury’s.
Called SnapBox, the project is designed to make it easy to ask for leftovers when eating out by providing free ‘designer’ take home boxes made by Multi Packaging Solutions Limited.
Food safety advice will be included with all the boxes, thanks to the expertise of SDDC’s environmental health team.
Lots of people already ask for their leftovers when they eat out, but research shows that while other people want to be offered ‘doggy bags,’ around 40% don’t feel comfortable asking for them.
SDDC and Sainsbury’s hope to create a ‘feel-good’ factor around asking for leftovers with the SnapBox project, a name inspired by the ‘snap’ lunch tins which were used by South Derbyshire miners.
Free, flat-pack SnapBoxes to stash in your bag ready to take leftover food home can be collected from the reception desk at the council offices and at Sharpe’s Pottery Museum, both in Swadlincote.
SnapBox posters will be displayed in participating restaurants but you can ask for your leftovers anywhere – most places will be able to supply you with a box, bag or foil if you can’t collect SnapBoxes.
Commenting on the project, which is being launched next week (Monday 14 August 2017) Cllr Peter Watson, Chair of South Derbyshire Disrtict Council’s Environmental and Development Services Committee, said: "We have listened to what local people asked for to help them save food and save money and developed this new project, linking back to our own local name for lunch: 'Snap'.
“Swadlincote people will be the first in the country to get these SnapBoxes and try them out.”
Expressing his approval for SnapBox, Paul Crewe, Head of Sustainability, Engineering and Energy for Sainsbury’s said: “We know from the work we’ve been doing in Swadlincote as part of our Waste less, Save more campaign that changing attitudes and behaviours can take time which is why it’s important to make it easy for people, both inside and outside the home, to waste less food.
“Asking for ‘doggy bags’ can be a barrier for some people, so this initiative is a great way of getting people to think differently about food waste outside of the home.”
SnapBox designer Jerry Corcoran, Studio / Account Director at Multi Packaging Solutions, said: “We wholeheartedly support the aim of SnapBox and we’re pleased to be involved in such a worthwhile project. It offers a simple and practical solution to the issue of food waste. The pack is easy to store and offers the opportunity to change consumer attitudes and practises. If requesting leftover food becomes part of dining out, it will have immediate environmental benefits.”
9 August 2017