An initiative by the University of York's Catering and Hospitality team, which sells food at a discounted price as closing time approaches, has generated more than £6,400 for good causes in York.

Launched in September 2021, the Shop, Save and Sustain initiative offers a 50 per cent discount on surplus food items, such as packaged sandwiches, desserts, drinks, and hot food, 15 minutes before café and restaurant closing times.

For each purchase, £1 is donated to York-based food charities, including the York Food Bank, Kitchen for Everyone, and The Island York.

The scheme operates across the university's campus food outlets, The Piazza Restaurant, the Roger Kirk Centre, and Vanbrugh Dining.

Arnaud Rustan, senior operations manager for catering and retail, said: "At the University of York, sustainability is central to our vision and operations.

"Our commitment to environmental sustainability runs throughout every aspect of our organisation, and we are committed to fostering long-term sustainability across all areas."

Nigel Poulton MBE, CEO of The Island York, added: "Thanks to a generous donation from Eat, Shop and Drink at the University of York, we can facilitate over 200 mentoring sessions for young people.

"Our volunteer mentors donate their time but receive a weekly budget for community activities.

"The Island offers "islands of space and time" for vulnerable children and young people in York, aged 8 to 18, helping to build their confidence, self-esteem, resilience, and unlock their potential for a brighter future."

And Adam Raffell, of Foodbank Manage, said: "York Foodbank would like to thank Eat, Shop, and Drink at the University of York for such a generous donation, to help ensure the availability of emergency food for the sadly increased numbers of people across the city who are being referred to us.

"In addition to much needed food items, this will also help to provide Financial Inclusion advice in Foodbank settings which can make all the difference for someone at a difficult time."

Since the initiative began, 33,561 items have been purchased at reduced prices.