Fighting hunger – tackling food waste
FareShare South West is one of 21 such organisations across the country. Since 2007 they have been redistributing quality in-date food to charities, schools and community groups in Gloucestershire, Somerset, Wiltshire and Dorset.
Why does so much food go to waste?
Most food waste occurs in the supply chain, often before food reaches the supermarkets. This food often goes to waste, even though it could feed hungry people.
Through arrangements with the suppliers, FareShare redistributes this unwanted food to member organisations around the region.
These organisations in turn transform this food into nutricious meals for their members, many of whom would oth-erwise go hungry.
In 2017, 765000 meals were provided, and the figure continues to rise.
How does this happen?
Every day, by arrangement, supermarkets bring surplus food to FareShare’s Bristol warehouse.
100 volunteers then help to sort and store it.
Every day loads are sorted onto their vans, whose volunteer drivers transport the food to organisations where it is needed.
Who is helped by FareShare?
Schools, charities and community groups including Breakfast Clubs, Holiday Playschemes, Old People’s Lunch Clubs, organisations for disabled people, Women’s Centres, Homeless shelters, and many other organisations.
How to help.
Donate money. A monthly donation of £10 a month is enough for FareShare South West to deliver 400 meals a year. Make a gift at faresharesouthwest.org.uk/donate
Volunteer at their warehouse. There are lots of different roles to suit everyone. Contact faresharesouth-west.org.uk/volunteerwithus
Catherine Richards