LONDON Stansted has donated a tonne of food and essentials to Uttlesford Foodbank this week, backing Foodbank Fortnight (1–14 October), a nationwide campaign encouraging donations during the harvest season. 

Jars of jam, peanut butter, tinned fish and cans of drink are among the goods donated by the airport to help families across the community. 

Volunteers from the Uttlesford Foodbank collected the latest donation, which will now be distributed to local households. 

The scheme sees goods handed over by passengers at airport security passed on every fortnight to Harlow, Uttlesford and Bishop’s Stortford foodbanks.  

Since May, more than five tonnes of items have been redirected to support local foodbanks

Supplies are sorted by the airport’s waste contractor, The Green Block, which also supports Stansted’s recycling programme.  

The airport already sends zero waste to landfill, aims to recycle or reuse 80% of all waste by 2030, and plans to remove single-use plastics from its lounges by 2027. 

Foodbank Fortnight is coordinated by the charity BanktheFood, which helps modernise food donations through its free app by letting supporters know what local foodbanks need most in real time. 

Dan Turpin, London Stansted’s Community Engagement Manager, said:

“While we always encourage passengers to double-check their hand luggage before they travel, sometimes items do get left behind due to the liquid rules at airport security. Thanks to our partnership with local foodbanks, these goods don’t go to waste but instead go straight to people who really need them. From jars of jam to tinned food and toiletries, the donations make a real difference.” 

Katy Mendes-Day, Director at Uttlesford Foodbank, said:

“This is a fantastic scheme. It makes sure that food and essentials which might otherwise be thrown away are shared with local families. We’re very pleased to be part of it, especially during Foodbank Fortnight, and the donations are helping us to support more people in need.” 

Russell Lucas, Business Development at The Green Block, said: 

“At The Green Block we’re proud to work in partnership with Stansted Airport in our key target of reducing waste. Having the opportunity to contribute to great initiatives such as the foodbank fortnight is hugely rewarding for all the team.  It’s a simple idea that has a big impact, every tin or jar passed on helps someone in the nearby community, something which we’re very passionate about.”