TONNES of surplus fruit and vegetables from Bradford markets could be handed to organisations working with the homeless following a small-scale pilot project.

Around 160 tonnes of unsold fruit and veg from St James wholesale market, off Wakefield Road, is sent for composting every year and stall holders, who have to pay for its disposal, are keen to find a better use for it.

Bradford Council, which manages markets across the district, including St James, says that while some surplus food goes to charities, many tonnes go to waste.

On Wednesday this week, members of a council scrutiny body will discuss plans to make better use of surplus food from council markets.

A food strategy report to the committee says that projects are now being developed in the city to ensure some of the food ends up on people's plates and not on compost heaps.

The report says: "Food waste is a practical issue for St James Market; although some surplus food is disposed via the charitable sector or for animal feed, upwards of 160 tonnes of surplus fruit and vegetable waste is sent for composting annually.

"Stall holders pay to dispose of this waste so are keen to seek out alternative options."

The councils says that "better quality fruit and vegetables" can be given to charitable organisations that provide luncheon clubs and food banks.

"Fruit and vegetables which are still usable but require 'processing' can be made into soups, jams, sauces, etc," the report notes.

An early pilot project which was run in March and April this year saw 840 portions of vegetable soup being made from surplus food by the council's own food processing unit.

The vegetable soup was distributed to "vulnerable householders" via charitable organisations.

Now, the council is keen to take the next steps to get more surplus food to needy people.

"Opportunities to develop this in partnership with a local voluntary organisation who already offers hot food, direct homelessness support services and practical support during weather extremes is being considered for the future."

Organisations working with the homeless have welcomed the ideas.

John Tempest, of The Bradford Soup Run, which has been running for 30 years, said he would be in favour of the project but only if the food on offer was of a high quality.

"So long as the food is of good quality it is an excellent idea. We have always gone for good quality food. Our stew is of the highest quality and I'm loathe to change the recipe. We have a set menu, which the guys on the streets really like."