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With more people in the UK facing food insecurity, there are now many organisations working to provide surplus food to people who urgently need it. These organisations, which include food banks, charities, community groups, and app developers, are doing excellent work. In 2022, they collectively helped increase the amount of surplus food that was redistributed by 27% from the previous year.

Yet competition and overlap create inefficiencies, while many charities are struggling to access the food they need to be able to meet demand. There is a clear need for a more strategic approach, and there is support across the sector for a more joined-up, collaborative way of working.

The USA provides a potential example: the Feeding America network is able to map sources of surplus food across the country against local food pantries and other community groups who can put that food to use. These organisations are allocated food according to their needs, and are able to request specific types of food, based on the local need and the ability to transport and store it. This co-ordinated approach helps to reduce further food waste within the redistribution sector empowers charities to provide their communities with the food they need.

The government should work with NGOs, the food industry and redistribution organisations to create an integrated platform to co-ordinate the redistribution of surplus food that is fit to eat. This should:

  • Act as a portal for community organisations and charities across the UK to redistribute food that can no longer be sold – including food from retailers, manufacturers, distribution centres and farms – enabling surplus to be redistributed in the most efficient way.
  • Co-ordinate logistics including food safety, distribution, warehouse management and allocation of food to charities.
  • Include a best practice hub for organisations to share lessons learned and exchange ideas, supporting the sector to continually improve.

What would it cost?

Conversations about feasibility and costs are at an early stage between technology companies, food businesses, and the charity sector. 

The Government should be actively involved in these discussions and be a partner on this project. In doing so, the Government can provide legitimacy and strategic direction for this ambitious and important initiative, ensuring buy-in from key players in the food and technology industries. This has the potential to entirely transform the surplus food redistribution sector’s ability to get food that would otherwise be wasted to the people who can use it.

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