WASTE not want not – that is the message from a climate change action group who set up a community kitchen in Oxford.

The community kitchen was established in the city centre on Sunday by Community Action Groups (CAG).

This is a network of groups across Oxfordshire which are working to combat climate change.

The kitchen was opened from 2pm until 9pm at the Student Hubs building in Turl Street.

CAG project manager Simon Kenton said: “People were invited to bring in their own spare food and then cook it for the session we called Dinner Time.

“They shared ideas and recipes with other people and it was a really good session with about 35 people coming along.

“Some of the dishes we cooked included sweet brussel sprout risotto, Asian noodle salad, stewed apples with sultanas, chocolate blinis and rice pudding with grated chocolate.

“It was great to see people meeting each other and having a good time while they cooked.”

CAG project officer Peter Lefort added: “Eventually we would like community groups to set up similar cooking sessions in their own areas.

“People don’t realise how much food they are throwing out and we would love it if these sessions became regular.”

Mr Lefort estimated that most families in Oxfordshire throw away £50 worth of food a month.

CAG is funded by Oxfordshire County Coucil and the project is managed by Bristol-based waste management group Resource Futures.

The next Dinner Time session will be held at the Student Hubs building next month.

For further information visit the CAG website cagoxfordshire.org.uk