CHARITY diners are being invited to bid on a meal prepared entirely from food that would have otherwise gone to waste.

The idea for the night came when public relations and events duo Janett Walker and Sophia Newton, of Flock, approached The Forest Side with their concept.

Martin Frickel, sous chef at the Michelin starred Grasmere-based restaurant, loved the idea and he will be teaming up with a team of some of the county’s leading cooks to create the innovative menu.

On September 8, he will work with his team to create dishes using food that would otherwise have gone in the bin.

The event aims to highlight the issue of food waste as well as to raise money for Kendal People’s Café, Cumbria Community Foundation, Windermere Food Bank and Growing Well.

“With the world’s population set to grow to nine billion by 2050, wasting food makes no sense and shames us all,” said Martin. “There are serious implications economically, environmentally and ethically.

“I am passionate about both maximising the amount of high quality food we produce and reducing the amount of food we waste.

“With people going hungry around the world we each have a personal responsibility not to waste this valuable resource.

“This project is designed to put something back into the community in which we all live, to raise awareness of food waste and highlight the issues that people face, even in a seemingly well off place like the Lakes.’’

The food waste ingredients for the dinner will be collected from local businesses on the day, including Booths, Westmorland Limited, Lovingly Artisan and more.

The evening’s venue is Dome House, Bowness, and there is a maximum of 30 places available.

Tickets are open to silent bidding until 5pm tomorrow (August 10) and there is a minimum bid price of £150 per person.

Potential diners may bid only once for a maximum of two tickets.

The night’s aim is not only to raise awareness of and money for local charities dealing with food poverty, but also to encourage a more creative and thoughtful approach to cooking and shopping.

To make your bid visit: www.trybooking.co.uk/FHI