A Ripon volunteer has been awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) in recognition of her outstanding service to the community.
Caroline Bentham received the honour from the Lord-Lieutenant of North Yorkshire, Jo Ropner, for her tireless voluntary work across Ripon and beyond.
Caroline launched the environmentally-friendly Waste Not Wednesday initiative in 2022, transforming surplus supermarket food into nutritious, low-cost meals for local residents.
Operating from Community House on Allhallowgate, the scheme is supported by Ripon BID members Morrisons, M&S Food and Tesco.
Each Wednesday, families and individuals can choose from a range of freshly prepared savoury and sweet dishes, with each meal costing just 50p. Visitors can select up to eight food items between 12pm and 1:30pm.
Speaking to Tim Flanagan for the Rejoicing in Ripon Blog, Caroline said:
"I see the BEM as recognition of the work done by all members of the team and I also thank Morrisons, M&S Food and Tesco for donating the surplus food that we turn into meals."
She added:
"In addition to the supermarkets, we receive items donated to us by Ripon based allotment holders and this ensures that users of our service can enjoy meals that include fresh fruit and vegetables."
As well as leading Waste Not Wednesday, Caroline is assistant county commissioner for Girlguiding North Yorkshire West and is involved in a £500,000 fundraising campaign to rebuild the community activity centre at Birk Crag in Harrogate.
She also chairs the Friends of Spa Gardens, which organises Ripon's annual Winter Wonderland festival, and established a scrap metal fundraising initiative that has supported a number of community projects, including Ripon Men's Shed, where she was among the founding members.

Harrogate-based Sporting Influence Foundation to tackle 24 climbs in 24 hours
Giant vegetables take centre stage at Harrogate Autumn Flower Show
Alpamare waterpark to be sold to 'protect its future' with private investment
Roadworks causing growing disruption in Harrogate and Knaresborough, officials admit
Yorkshire artist brings Harrogate's Old Market Hall back to life
Martin House hosts first children's palliative care conference
Judge appointed to lead inquiry into North Yorkshire mental health trust
Harrogate group raise more than £40,000 with cycle to Bordeaux
Scotton pub wins Tripadvisor award for seventh year running
Almost 2,000 people sign Knaresborough landslip petition
Police appeal after Range Rover damaged in Knaresborough
St Aidan's teacher recognised at national Teacher of the Year Awards
Bramham Park to host its first Christmas market
Harvest gown unveiled for flower show's 50th anniversary
Ripon's Mario's Restaurant named among Tripadvisor's top 10%
Harrogate Rugby Club reveals plans for clubhouse expansion and padel courts
Police appeal after Lister House minibus vandalised in Ripon
Council urged to "show me the money" and provide evidence of home-to-school policy change savings
Kate Mosse and Prue Leith among stars of Harrogate Literature Festival
Ripon among UK's top cities for missing parcels


