I get a large bag of free fruit every couple of weeks, what could I do with it ?

[FredAstairesChair]

It's free at my partner's work and come Friday it all gets thrown away so she brings it for me.

I don't use much of it and usually end up pureeing a lot of it for baking.
I don't suppose food banks will take it, is there anything I'm missing, any organisations that may appreciate a donation of apples, pears, tangerines and bananas?
What would you do with it?

Apples and peas- chutney/pie/crumble
Banana bread

Would school or any kids club take it?

Is there an after school club near you maybe?

Do you have a community larder or similar, ask the food bank, ask your local church, they might be able to take the fruit?

@MichelleScarn great minds 😂

Crumble x 1000.

I love crumble, food of the gods, may I die of over indulging in crumble.

Food bank or the homeless charity near you

Some animal charities/rescues would appreciate it, if you can't find a human home for it.

Crumbles, cobblers, upside down pudding. Freeze them all.
Yummmmmmmmmmm.

I’d ring the food bank and ask them. Are there any charities on your area that provide meals for people? They might like it.

Any families you know of who are struggling?

If none of these I’d give them to my neighbours or leave outside the gate during the day with a sign saying free fruit, help yourself

There's at least one app for offering free food to your community. I think there's one called Olio? Np personal experience of it though.

Please post them on Olio, food sharing app and share as needed and as many, if you can offer every week on same day, you might get regular takers. you may just leave outside at your door step and put it on olio too if you can't attend people

Blend and freeze in ice cube trays, then melt into porridge, but theres a limit on how much a single household can get through. If your not getting through the frozen stuff before the next bag arrives, your freezer will just gett fuller and fuller.

Is there any toddler groups nearby? Most of the ones we go to provide a fruit snack.

Start making jam?

Perhaps your partner should flag this at work so that the company isn't wasting money on a perk no one appreciates. People would probably prefer a year end bonus instead.

Thank you all. I did consider putting it outside with a 'help yourself' sign but my street gets very little foot traffic and i just don't know if anyone would take it. I'm going toask a couple of local charities. I do use a lot of it for baking, but I've still had to throw some baked goods away :( (I hate wasting food)! Because it just doesn't get eaten.

@dailymumbles she has, more than once. Its a designer clothing brand she works for and they've got this thing about public image and treating staff well they dont and this free fruit thing adheres to that, at least I think that's why they won't stop. I live by myself and my family/friends always seem to be on bloody diets! I had to chuck a whole apple and pear pie away not so long ago (cries) so a different solution is required. I'll ask the local school too. Everyone is so big on hygiene though aren't they?

Thanks again all

Can partner ask around at work to see if anyone else would have a good use for them on a Friday afternoon?

I've worked in a lot of places that have free fruit over the years and none of them have ever had leftovers - I blame low carb diets for your partner's fashionista colleagues' lack of enthusiasm.

@Sprogonthetyne Good ideas! I'll definitely ask some toddler groups. I do puree and freeze a lot of it now, but my freezer is often full of that and homeless baked goods :)

Is there a community Facebook page, or any local selling groups? You could put a message on there and ask if anyone wants it.

In this cost of living crisis it seems like such a shame for it to go to waste - there might be someone struggling locally who would love it.

Come to think of it, if your partner's company are all about being seen to be worthy - I'm surprised they haven't thought of doing that themselves.

My partner works nights as a guard of the factory so doesn't see so many people.

It seems it has become her job to throw away leftover items. You may be right about the low carb thing though, that's one reason I don't eat much of it myself! Her colleagues are all middle aged men who probably just aren't interested.

Download the Olio app, and those who need it or can use it will take it from you in no time.

If you have foodcycle in your area they will take it in its raw state and use to create free community meals or give to their guests.

Is there a community kitchen near you that cooks for homeless people or a free/eco local Facebook page on which to offer it maybe?

I've messaged my local church and a few local charities to ask if it will help. I sponsor a hedgehog charity that may be able to use them. Community kitchen-I've not heard of one but depending on if I get any responses I will have a look. Thanks again everyone.

I am sure a church could leave it out for people to take after a service. Many people would be glad of fresh fruit with the cost of living going up.