Student 'wonky' veg project helps feed homeless

University students are turning "wonky" vegetables into hot meals for people facing homelessness.

Wonky Bowl, a University of Southampton social enterprise, collects surplus produce from local residents and uses it to cook nutritious dishes for charities supporting vulnerable people.

The team has produced more than 1,200 meals this academic year, with most going to organisations such as the Two Saints Day Centre, with the aim of cutting both food waste and hunger in the city.

Project lead Reuben Mardell‑Kearns said the group tried to strike a balance between donated produce and reliable staples.

"We have some stuff that's store bought just to make sure that we have enough food per week to give to people," he said.

"But a lot of it is supplemented with wonky and surplus veg from local people in the area."

Meals are prepared every Monday in the commercial kitchen at Above Bar Church, where all volunteers are trained in food hygiene.

Reuben described it as "very much a professional kitchen" and "the best environment to cook as much as we do".

Students involved said giving their time to the project felt "extremely rewarding", with many taking on increasing responsibility as the scheme expands.

Those involved said they dedicated a lot of their free time to the project.

Head of operations Pranjal Goel said: "I joined last year just as a team member and I have just been getting more involved.

"I'm really passionate about it and spend almost all my time working on Wonky Bowl, aside from my degree, of course."

Two Saints staff said the impact was clear as demand for support rises.

Acting manager Tiffany Williams said the donations were "very appreciated" by clients struggling with the cost of living.

"The team at Wonky Bowl bring us food nearly every week, they're amazing," she said.

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