As part of the North East and North Cumbria ICB Sustainability Programme, delivered in conjunction with the NENC Provider Collaborative, NHS teams across the region are testing practical ways to reduce food waste, save money and improve experiences for patients and staff. Their work includes smarter meal ordering, better waste data, recycling and creative reuse of surplus food.
The information in this article was gathered through collaborative workshops with NHS trusts and subsequent update meetings, where teams shared local challenges, practical ideas and agreed outputs. These discussions helped identify the initiatives now being tested and the learning that can be shared across the system.
Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust is exploring why waste rises on certain days, helping teams target changes and show the financial impact.
Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust are using Power BI, clearer signage and staff feedback to improve waste reporting and recycling.
Newcastle Hospitals plans to introduce electronic meal ordering so patients can choose nearer serving time. Linking orders with patient information should reduce unnecessary meals while supporting dietary needs.
Northumbria Healthcare is improving waste measurement and working towards a 50% reduction in single-use containers for customers eating on site.
Sunderland Royal Hospital’s “Closing the Circle” approach gives suitable surplus patient food a second life through internal retail. Learning will be shared with South Tyneside District Hospital and other services.
At the next collaborative session in November 2026, teams will share results and explore how successful ideas can be adapted elsewhere.
Share your story: If your team has reduced food waste or improved catering sustainability, share your learning with the Boost community and inspire others across health and care.
For more information or if you would like to attend the next workshop, please contact the NENC ICB Sustainability Strategy Lead Pete Lillie – [email protected]
