Against a backdrop of a global environmental crisis and the highest UK food poverty rates on record, large scale food waste is unacceptable. In the South West, we know that hundreds of tonnes of quality, in date surplus food goes to waste each year, while thousands face hunger. Food waste uses resources, water and energy in production, and produces excess CO2 levels when it is not eaten. Food waste in landfill creates methane, which has a global warming potential 21% greater than CO2.

Surplus food is often wasted because producers have no other option despite intentions. Individual charities are unable to take wholesale food regularly, and companies cannot commercially justify resources needed for redistribution. FareShare South West can bridge this gap. If we can upscale, we can save hundreds more tonnes of surplus food from going to waste, and safely and strategically distribute a varied supply of food to hundreds of frontline charities supporting vulnerable people.