The Real Junk Food Project in Leeds

I paid £10 for a 'Full Vegan Box' from TRJFP on Too Good to Go and arranged to collect it from The Street in Scarborough between 12 - 2 today. I arrived at The Street sometime between 1.30-1.40 to be told by some ladies, who were already raking through all the food boxes, that the staff member from TRJFP wasn't around and had told them all that they could help themselves to the food for free. I waited until 1.55 to see if the member of staff was going to come back, but there was no sign of anyone. I finally asked the staff on reception at The Street if there were any staff members from TRJFP to speak to, but they told me that the staff just drop the food off and then leave and that they had no way of contacting them. I'm absolutely livid that I paid £10, when I could have just turned up and helped myself for free, and that the staff couldn't be bothered to hang around for the full two-hour slot. I left some feedback about my poor experience and was contacted by the CEO (Adam) but, rather than apologetic, he was fairly rude and dismissive. This could be such a positive thing but your service, and staff, need serious improvement.

A great consept and a life saver for many families. An outstanding aray of fruit n veg.lots of jars of polish food n soups. Range of breads n buns. If yiur lucky a selection of ready meals etc.(though freezers have broken down)so they have to go fast. Also crisps,sauces noodles spaghetti and much more. Play area for kids,some toys n cloths. Look in for help or to offer your help. Thanks guys.x

The cafe is transformed into a bistro in the evening with candles, twinkling lights and table cloths. This creates a completely different atmosphere from the day time. Tables have to be booked in advance but the restaurant works in the same Pay as you feel way! The menu this evening was all based around cheese and offered a great variety of choices which all seemed to be equally gorgeous! The food was beautifully presented and served in an efficient and friendly way. Nothing was too much trouble. Our little group really enjoyed everything about the evening and we look forward to returning soon.

I came for lunch but was too early this day so just had a coffee. What an amazing thing to do with all the food that is going to be thrown away. There were a few people in having tea and probably waiting for food. I couldn't stay that long on this day so will have to come back for food. The coffee was good though. Well done guys. Friendly staff.

As other reviews will no doubt tell you, this is not merely a place to get good food. Goodness knows there are literally hundreds of places in Leeds and the surrounding area for that. No, Armley Junktion is part of a growing movement which aims to reduce the needless waste from countless shops then campaigns for changes in legislation by weighing the sheer amount of wasted produce as it comes through the door, kindly delivered by volunteers and supportive stores. The cafe serves the local community providing a number of schemes to help literally anyone who walks through the doors, be it crafts, assistance with finance, IT and technology support, a pay as you feel hairdressing ad hoc service or just a friendly face to talk to. When my partner and I visited last week for lunch, we saw a number of people from different social groups and I was really happy to see three ladies doing loads of shopping in the boutique at the back. The lunch itself...we had a spicy parsnip curry with bulgar wheat rice and salmon with potatoes and salad, washed down with big mugs of tea and juice then pastries. And what about if you want to volunteer? Apparently you just sign up on the board and come and help in some way. I read a code of conduct for volunteers and everything they do here is for the common good.

If you haven't heard of The Real Junk Food Project you probably won't go there, but it is well worth it. The cafe is unique; there are no prices, you pay as you feel. You will be encouraged to take a bag of groceries away with you. The menu changes according to what food is donated. The aim of the cafe is to stop food going in to bins and divert it to bellies. It is amazing in so many ways and a unique part of Leeds food culture that in a few short years has inspired people to start similar ventures throughout the UK, Europe and further afield.

I love going here and the one in town (in bar Santiago). The concept is great and as it is pay as you feel you can always afford to go. You never know what is going to be on the menu so you cant just say I will have so and so again, you have to try something new. I have had spanish chickpea and potatoe stew, mushroom pasta, vege sausage. It is whatever they can get their hands on. The staff are always welcomming and happy to chat to you about the work they do.

Ask if you are unsure. There a box to put money in (you pay as you feel - that means what you feel the food was worth/what you can afford). Menu changes based on what food they have "intercepted" or had donated. Always something decent to eat. Always variety.

Brilliant concept, great bunch of people, fantastic food! And it's all food that would have gone into landfill even though there's absolutely nothing wrong with it, so you'll feel virtuous too. Pay as you feel, does exactly what it says on the tin. What more could you want?

Found out about this cafe from the Leeds City Council magazine HOME @ LEEDS. Have in the passed done a bit of freegoning,so was up for a visit,to see how things were??I was welcomed by both the vollunteer staff,and the customers.Told to help myself to a brew,tea or coffee.whilst I browsed the quite exstensive menu board.there were somany choices.Mostly vegitrian,when the chap I was sharing the table with,was served his meal,looked good,(vegitable Hotpot with sweet potato mash)Tasted good too!!But then its all cooked freshly for you!!!Dessert was Apple n Pear crumble,and that was nice too.I wish them every success with their venture.There are two other cafes locally one in Saltaire,Bradford.and one in Beeston Leeds .therealjunkfoodproject@outlook.com will enlighten you more! Thank You guys, for a great welcome n a great meal.Keep up the good work.....

Great food and get for the environment too. The RJFP intercepts food destined for landfill. Still fresh and creates a great and varied menu. The really good part is there are no prices on the menu, you make a donation based on what you can afford and what you feel the food is worth. Be clear, this is far from a soup kitchen and is run by volunteers. The food is outstanding.

Amazing place, great people, fantastic idea! The cafe runs on a 'Pay As You Feel' basis. And is the first in a network of cafes across the UK, who are now using the same PAYF model.

After founding the cafe in Dec 13', TRJFP have not only prevented nearly 20 tons of edible food from becoming either landfill, AD or livestock feed, but they have also created nearly 10,000 meals for 8,000 people from food deemed no longer fit for sale.It allow EVERYONE access through their 'open door' policy with no emphasis on payment. Those that cannot financially contribute are encouraged to give their time, effort, energy, resources and.or skills in return for the value of the meal and service received.