Millions sign up to anti-food-waste apps to share their unused produce

With the average UK family throwing out 730 of surplus items a year, eco-conscious consumers have found a hi-tech fix

There is such a thing as a free lunch, it turns out, as long as you don't mind too much what it is. Tamara Wilson found hers a few streets away from her west London home - and as well as picking up some unwanted bread and fruit that would otherwise be thrown away, she made a new friend.

Wilson* is one of 3.4 million people around the world using an app designed to encourage people to give away rather than throw away surplus food. It's such a small thing, but it makes me feel good and my neighbour feel good. And a lot of small acts can end up making a big difference," she said.