The man behind a project to feed people from food destined for waste is to stand down due to mental health issues.
Adam Smith, who set up the country’s first pay as you feel cafe in Armley – Armley Junktion – made an emotional video explaining his decision to leave the project after six years.
Mr Smith said his work with The Real Junk Food Project had come at a cost to him and his family, and that his mental health had suffered. He added:
“The power of change is within us all. A kid from Beeston, who was thrown out of school, sectioned to High Royds hospital, ended up in care and later in prison, suffered substance abuse, decided to step forward and speak out about the injustices of this world and tried to do something about it.
“That kid could have been anyone. It could be you. Nothing is stopping you. Always do the right thing.”
Mr Smith said he hoped to leave the company in a ‘ in a somewhat healthy financial position. ‘ His public resignation statement can be read in full here.
The Project claims it has fed more than 12 million people, stopping 5,000 tons of food being wasted.