FareShare is an award-winning charity fighting food hunger and waste in the UK. It does this by rescuing good quality surplus food that would otherwise go to waste and sending it to over 700 charities across the country to be eaten by people in need.
The issues at a glance
Did you know 5.6 million people are living in deep poverty, meaning they struggle to afford everyday essentials like food? Meanwhile, a staggering 3 million tonnes of food is wasted every year in the UK, mostly from the manufacturing sector. If just 1% of that waste was fit for consumption and redistributed to FareShare, 70 million meals could be provided to people in need.
What is surplus food?
The term surplus applies to any food that doesn’t have a commercial outlet anymore but is still good to eat. The food FareShare rescues is all in-date but has become surplus for simple reasons such as overproduction, errors in forecasting, incorrect labelling and damaged packaging. The food still tastes good, is safe to eat, and provides all the comfort and nourishment of a good quality meal.
What does FareShare do with this food?
FareShare delivers surplus food to a network of 700 community projects across the UK, including hostels, day centres, women’s refuges and children’s breakfast clubs. These are grassroots projects providing a vital lifeline to people in need. Quality food is at the heart of the service they provide.
Last year the food redistributed by FareShare contributed towards more than 8.6 million meals, feeding 35,000 people a day.
A client of a day centre in London said recently: “Since I’ve been coming to the day centre I feel a lot better. It’s good because the food is prepared for you and it’s done with such care. It really makes a difference to me and it’s good to know that someone cares.”
The demand for food is rapidly increasing. According to a recent survey, 42% of the charities FareShare supports have seen an increase in the demand for food in the past year, while 65% said they were cutting their food budgets in an effort to stay afloat.
What can you do?
There are many ways you can support FareShare and join the flight against hunger and food waste in the UK.
- Donate
FareShare’s ability to fight hunger depends on the generosity of people like you. Just £1 can help FareShare provide food for four square meals for people who would otherwise go without. You can donate here.
- Keep in touch
Sign up to FareShare’s e-newsletter for all the latest information and stories, or find them on Facebook and Twitter @FareshareUK
- Volunteer
A wonderful team of committed volunteers keep FareShare on the road. To join them, contact your local depot here and ask about opportunities to get involved.
- Pledge
Commit to buying only the food you need and eat all of the food you buy and you’ll already be part of the solution.
- Organise a food drive
Organise a food drive for FareShare and get your colleagues, classmates or friends to contribute. Please download the Food Drive Pack on the website to find out how.
For more information visit http://www.fareshare.org.uk/
Find FareShare on Facebook
Follow FareShare on Twitter @FareshareUK
About
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Ruth @summerlandc
Tuesday 28th of August 2012
This post makes me so cross, when are you going to stand up and take a side on something. Foodshare are doing something amazing as are organisations like Trussell Trust. http://www.trusselltrust.org/
Hunger and food poverty are on the increase in the UK, it isn't good enough that you feature poverty and hardship that happens overseas, it is time you found your voice for those living in poverty and hardship in the UK.
Or is that too difficult?
Susanna
Wednesday 29th of August 2012
Thanks for your comment Ruth. Nothing is too difficult! Through our charity connections programme, we are proud that BritMums has supported more than 150 charities – a mix of local, national, and international causes, including hunger in the UK.
Ruth @summerlandc
Tuesday 28th of August 2012
when I say foodshare what I meant was fareshare Its been a long day!