Indie Oxford Interview: Waste2Taste
When Waste2Taste opened its doors in 2017, it began as a bold idea rooted in compassion, community, and sustainability. Today, it is one of Oxford’s most inspiring social enterprises, known for turning food surplus into delicious catering, providing hundreds of free meals each week, and creating a warm, inclusive space for everyone. Co-founder Sandra Ruge spoke to Holly Davis from Independent Oxford about her journey, the challenges of working with surplus, and why their catering service is the beating heart that keeps their community work alive.
Holly: Sandra, can you start by telling me how Waste2Taste began?
Sandra: Waste2Taste officially started in 2017, but the idea had been with us for a long time. I worked as the catering organiser at Donnington Doorstep Family Centre for thirteen years, and Marie worked there too. We always dreamed of creating something that used food surplus to support Oxford’s homeless community. We never quite found the courage to do it until the centre lost its funding and we were made redundant. That gave us the push. We began working from our own homes with no premises and no budget. Friends helped, my husband helped, and a local designer donated decorations and chairs. We tried to create something beautiful from nothing.
Holly: In the early days, how did people respond to the idea of surplus food catering?
Sandra: There was some hesitation at first. People wondered why we were using surplus food. We had to explain that surplus simply means excess supply. The food is perfectly good. It might be vegetables from a strong harvest or stock that a supermarket has over-ordered. Oxford Food Hub could only donate to charities at the time, so we pledged to give 25 percent of our profit to The Gatehouse. For two years, every penny of profit went to support homeless people in Oxford.
Holly: What helped Waste2Taste grow during that period?
Sandra: Trust played a big role. The Environmental Change Institute at Oxford University had used our catering when we were at Donnington Doorstep. When we launched Waste2Taste, they moved their orders across. They encouraged other departments to do the same. Customers know that our menu depends on the surplus we receive, so they never know exactly what will be in the sandwiches or salads. They trust us, and that trust allowed us to grow.
Holly: How did the cafe in Cowley come about?
Sandra: We needed a proper kitchen because demand was increasing quickly. ARK T offered us a small commercial kitchen, so in 2019 we opened a three month pop up cafe to test the idea. It worked from day one, and we have stayed ever since.
We now have six staff members and around twelve volunteers. Together we prepare and distribute more than 180 free meals each week. Some go out through our networks, and some go through the Freezer of Love. We also run supported volunteering placements for young people from specialist schools so they can build confidence and learn new skills.
Holly: Looking ahead, what do you see as the priority for Waste2Taste?
Sandra: Catering is our lifeline. We need that side of the business to grow because every bit of profit goes back into our community work. It funds free meals, community lunches, bingo sessions, chair exercise classes, and everything else we do to bring people together. Hospitality is tough right now with high food costs and high overheads. We do not want to raise prices too much, because we do not want to exclude anyone. There is so much potential with university departments, the NHS, councils, and local businesses, especially now that workplaces are trying to bring staff back in. A catered lunch can be a simple perk that makes a big difference.
Holly: You have been part of Independent Oxford for a long time. What does the community mean to you?
Sandra: I love it. Being in a room with other independents is powerful, because you meet people and make real connections. We have collaborated with so many local businesses including Velocity, Epicakes, Tap Social, Modern Art Oxford, and Jackie who built our website. Velocity now does all our deliveries, and they have honestly saved my life. I know that whatever leaves our kitchen will arrive exactly as it should. The Indie Oxford community has given us support, friendship, and opportunities.
Holly: What do you most want people to know about Waste2Taste?
Sandra: I want people to know that choosing our catering directly supports the community. Every order helps keep the cafe going, supports the Freezer of Love, funds free meals, and allows us to run activities that bring people together. We are able to do this because of partnerships like Oxford Food Hub and Bucksum Farm Shop, which give us the ingredients we need to feed people well. Waste2Taste is about food, but it is also about care, dignity, and community. That is what drives us every day.
