Girls and young women across Merseyside are taking action on food waste thanks to a project that is teaching practical skills in cooking, growing and composting – helping families save money while protecting the environment.
Guiding Towards Food Waste Zero is a collaborative effort between Merseyside Girlguiding Association and cookery specialists Cook Clean and Green, funded by a £27,050 grant from the Merseyside Recycling & Waste Authority (MRWA) and Veolia Zero Waste Community Fund. Operating across Halton, Knowsley, Liverpool, and St Helens, the initiative is aiming to reach nearly 3,500 participants, including 2,000 Guides and 1,000 Brownies.
The project is training up 20 Girlguide leaders to run a series of hands-on workshops with Guides and Brownies. Sessions are focusing on reducing avoidable household food waste through better planning, shopping, storage and cooking, as well as growing food and composting.
Suzanne Mitchell, Partner at the Merseyside Girlguiding Association and founder of Cook Clean and Green, said: “Girls and young women care deeply about climate change and protecting the planet, and this project gives them the practical tools to turn that concern into action. From cooking with leftovers to understanding food labels and composting, we’re helping Guides and Brownies build skills for life while reducing waste at home. We’re excited to work with leaders across Merseyside to inspire a new generation of food waste champions!”
The project is providing recipe packs, waste-saving tips, cooking equipment and small grants to local Guide units, as well as using Girlguiding’s social media channels to spread key messages about reducing food and packaging waste. Participants are being encouraged to become “ambassadors for change” by sharing what they learn with their families and communities.
Lesley Worswick, Chief Executive of MRWA, said: “Food waste is one of the biggest challenges we face, but it’s also one of the easiest to tackle with the right skills and knowledge. Guiding Towards Food Waste Zero is a fantastic example of how we can empower young people to make a real difference in their homes and communities. By learning how to plan, cook, store and grow food, these Guides and Brownies will help cut waste, save money and support a more sustainable, circular economy across Merseyside.”
The project is expected to divert significant amounts of food from going to waste, with estimated reductions including:
– 146 tonnes of food waste through skills training, growing, and composting
– 56 tonnes of plastic waste by encouraging sustainable shopping habits and effective recycling
The initiative aligns with Girlguiding’s commitment to environmental stewardship and is supporting leaders with training, mentoring and accredited food safety qualifications. In addition to environmental benefits, participants will gain a Level 2 Food Safety and Hygiene qualification and develop essential life skills in financial management, numeracy, and community engagement.
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Notes to editors:
Attached images show a Train the Trainer event in 2025.
Merseyside Recycling and Waste Authority (MRWA): Merseyside Recycling and Waste Authority is responsible for the management of household waste in Merseyside and Halton. They are committed to promoting waste reduction, reuse, and recycling through a variety of initiatives, including the Zero Waste Community Fund. www.merseysidewda.gov.uk
About Merseyside Girlguiding: With a 100-year history in the region, the Association provides girls and young women with a space to discover their potential and make a positive difference in their communities. For more information please visit www.girlguidingmerseyside.co.uk.
Media contact:
John Lally | Communications and Development Officer
Merseyside Recycling & Waste Authority | 1 Mann Island, Liverpool, L3 1BP
Office: 0151 255 2568 | Mobile: 07796005401
Email: john.lally@merseysidewda.gov.uk