The more than 8,000 frontline charities and community organisations we work with are rooted in communities across the UK. Operating in nearly every constituency, they benefit from FareShare’s efficient supply chain, and the communities in which they operate gain value from the food as well as the care, companionship, and support that these groups foster. Redistributing surplus food supports these organisations in their efforts to build more sustainable, resilient, and caring communities.
They are not only addressing an immediate practical need for food but often provide routes into employment, advice, social connection, and other critical wrap around support for people facing a range of complex needs. These groups strengthen and enrich the social fabric of British society. FareShare’s work helps fuel these improvements to health and wellbeing, which have long-term benefits to the economy. Every £1 spent redistributing surplus food through FareShare provides £5.72 in social value.41
The work they do relies on an effective redistribution sector that can get surplus food to those who can make use of it. But there is an urgent need to improve the way this supply chain works, making it more effective and efficient.
By supporting farmers to redistribute their surplus, enabling redistribution organisations to collaborate and learn from each other, and allowing more people to develop vital skills needed within the sector, we can further strengthen our communities.
References
Nicholas, C., Patakos, T. and Rughoo, A. (2023)
Waste Britain: An evaluation of the economic & social impact of FareShare’s contribution to fighting hunger and tackling food waste. Available at: https://fareshare.org.uk/ wp-content/uploads/2023/05/UH-FareShare-Waste-Britain- Short-Report-2-page-view.pdf.