Meet Our Chief Interceptor: Sarah Betts

Source: Thom Novi 

Today we'd like to introduce you to a key member of TRJFPB team - Sarah Betts! 

Sarah Betts has been interested in environmental issues since being a teenager, having dipped her toes into a direct action protest at Faslane Peace Camp. She did a 'Building Sustainable Communities' Course with Brighton Permaculture Trust and went on to gain a Diploma in Environment and Development with the Open University. She has contributed to her own community as her children have been growing up and Sarah believes the change she wants to see must begin at a local level before trying to change the world. Sarah is an anarchist at heart and hates the current political system and the way they tell us to live our lives. When asked what her favourite quote is, Sarah replied: "My favourite quote is 'Freedom is a road seldom travelled' - I find my freedom in the things I choose to do with my life!"

Source: Thom Novi 

Source: Thom Novi 

1. Why did you first get involved with trjfp?

I got involved with trjfp as it looked like a very interesting project that addressed lots of the environmental issues I am concerned about.

2. As our chief intercepter, can you tell us a little bit about your role?

My role as chief interceptor involves me going out at 9.30pm 4-5 nights a week.  I go to the store, say hello to everyone and then go see what delights the store has put by for us that day. I then load it into my car (sometimes with the help of the store staff). Sometimes I have worried about it all fitting in my car as there has been so much! I then bring it home and sort it out ( take the packaging off and compost any fruit/veg that could ruin the otherwise perfect other stuff beside it ) I then weigh it and record it.

3. What obstacles do you come across?

The obstacles I come across are sometimes being disappointed when I go to the store and they have very little waste for us! Also walking past the bakery and they are throwing away bags upon bags of produce that the project can't use is heartbreaking. It would be great to find a use for it.

4. What do you like most about the role?

I love the feeling of 'direct action' - there and then I am saving food from going to landfill - very satisfying and good for the soul.

5. What's the weirdest item you've intercepted so far?

The weirdest item I've intercepted is probably 2 perfectly fine 'Serrano ham' legs. The fact that they weren't in a box but vacuum packed made them unsellable!

6. What's your favourite dish?

My favourite dish has got to be an African taster platter dish that me and the hubby share on the last night of the Shambala festival!

7. Who would you invite to your dream dinner party?

Me and Ray Mears in the woods with hunted/gathered produce from the wild cooked over an open fire would be my perfect dinner party!! 

8. What's on the stereo when you're intercepting and weighing all that food?

On the stereo when I'm in the car is Codesouth radio station. When I'm at home I like a bit of radio 6, trance techno, anarcho punk and Die Antwoord! 

9. How do you relax after a hard days intercepting?

I relax after intercepting by usually going to bed and reading ready for the early morning rise of the school run the next day. Or catch up on TV shows I like...right now 'The Island' with Bear Grylls....I wanna do that!!

10. Where do you see the real junk food project in the future?

In the future I see the real junk food project being a very important part of our community. We would love to feed the people who are struggling with food and to involve members of the community who can be isolated by encouraging them to be involved with volunteering in the cafes. The atmosphere in the cafe is truly special and more people need to experience that! 

The food industry is a very closed loop affair....we are changing that and redistributing food that would be otherwise dumped....a healthy cycle for the people and the planet!