Full Breakdown
Towcester Community Larder Rescues Surplus Food from the British Grand Prix
7/7/2026, 9:23:06 PM
Core Action: Collecting Surplus Food at Silverstone
Since Sunday, roughly 50 volunteers from the Towcester Community Larder have been making regular “pit stops” at the Silverstone Circuit during the British Grand Prix. Their task is to collect uneaten food generated by the event and transport it to the larder for redistribution. The operation, now in its sixth year, will continue through Thursday.
Background & Context: Food Waste at a Major Motorsport Event
The 2024 British Grand Prix attracted an estimated 564,000 spectators, creating a substantial volume of surplus food. In 2023 the larder rescued 32 tonnes of unused items from the same venue; by the time of writing in 2024 the volunteers have already secured 15 tonnes.
Key Organization & Volunteer Lead
The Towcester Community Larder, based in Towcester, Northamptonshire, runs a membership scheme that allows residents to purchase rescued produce at reduced prices. Katie Steele, a volunteer coordinator for the larder, oversees the collection effort and coordinates distribution.
Data & Statistics: Quantities and Variety of Food Saved
- 15 tonnes of food collected so far in 2024 (32 tonnes in 2023).
- Items include lettuce, salad greens, a range of mushrooms described as “obscure,” cheeses, fish, meat, assorted fruit and vegetables, canned water, soft drinks, milk, ice cream, and approximately 5,000 eggs.
- Additional donations comprise edible mixed flowers.
Official Statements & Responses
Katie Steele explained that the high attendance inevitably generates food destined for disposal, and the larder intervenes to prevent that loss. She emphasized the urgency of moving perishable items quickly and highlighted the breadth of products rescued, from fresh produce to dairy and bakery goods. The larder’s membership model enables community members to access these items at lower cost.
On-the-Ground Reports
Volunteers sorted the first load of rescued food at about 01:00 BST on Monday and returned to the circuit within hours to collect additional supplies. Work continues each day until the scheduled end of the event on Thursday.
Verbatim Quotes
- “When you've got that many people coming through the doors inevitably there is stuff that is destined for the bin, unless we can step in and rescue it.” — Katie Steele, Towcester Community Larder
- “We need to get the food out as soon as we can before it perishes,” — Katie Steele, Towcester Community Larder
- “I've seen the most obscure mushrooms you've ever seen, I've never seen mushrooms like it.” — Katie Steele, Towcester Community Larder
- “Even canned water, pop and lots of milk, ice cream and 5,000 eggs.” — Katie Steele, Towcester Community Larder
Why It Matters
Rescuing surplus food reduces waste generated by large-scale events, lowers the environmental footprint of the Grand Prix, and provides affordable, nutritious options for local residents through the larder’s membership scheme.
What’s Next
Remaining stock will be made available at the Riverside Resource Centre, Islington Road, Towcester, on Monday from 18:30, with additional sessions on Wednesday (16:15-17:00) and Thursday (10:00-11:15). The larder plans to conduct further pit stops at future Silverstone events.
