Co-op store to donate surplus food to animals

The fruit and vegetables donated by Co-op are past the stated best before dates. Best before dates are about quality and not safety, which means the food products are safe to eat but may be past their prime taste, as reported by the Food Standards Agency definition.

The ongoing donations will not only help to provide the Animal Zone’s many residents with plenty of meals, but will also support Co-op with meeting its food waste reduction targets.

A spokeswoman for the store said: "It gives me great pleasure to support Rodbaston Animal Zone based at South Staffordshire College. What a fantastic place and I wasn't even aware such a place existed. I have definitely found somewhere to take my family. All of our waste from produce will go to the Animal Zone to support the daily nutritional requirements of the various species housed."

The Animal Zone is home to around 750 animals and includes species from meerkats to monkeys, rabbits to alpacas.

These animals need hundreds of tonnes of forage, fruit, and vegetables per year, to ensure they maintain a healthy lifestyle which comes with quite a price tag. The partnership with Co-op means that the Animal Zone’s food bill can be significantly reduced and the money saved will be invested into building new enclosures, renovating and improving existing enclosures, conservation, and education projects.

Rodbaston Animal Keeper, Elliot Guy said: "I am pleased that we have been able to work together within our local community to find a more environmental, sustainable way to provide fresh produce for our animals. I would like to say a huge thank you to Carol and the staff at Penkridge Co-op for their support on behalf of all the keepers and staff at the Animal Zone."

For more information about the Animal Zone visit southstaffs.ac.uk/animal-zone