Approximately one fifth of those using the services of charities across the country admit they have gone without a square meal for a week or more in the last year.
Tony Lowe, Chief Executive of FareShare, which redistributes good quality surplus food from the food industry to projects supporting disadvantaged people, says; “Food poverty is a big issue in the UK today. We’ve talked to groups of disadvantaged people, nearly three fifths (58%) have gone without a square meal for a day or more in the last year and of those almost one fifth (17%) have gone without for a week or more.
“We know the Government is working to try and address this, now we’re calling out to the food industry to play a greater part. We currently reach an average of 25,000 people with our service, but many more than this are still struggling to access food regularly and the food industry can help us to alleviate this sad reality.”
Lowe continues: “The support we’ve already received from our industry partners such as Nestlé UK has helped us achieve a great deal so far, but it’s also highlighted the need for support from other businesses, Government and charitable trusts to help us achieve our ambitions to expand and reach greater numbers of those in need.”
Alastair Sykes, Chairman and CEO of Nestlé UK says: “No-one in the food industry wants to see good food going to waste. Partnering with FareShare means that good quality surplus food from Nestlé can benefit those who need it most, with a focus on environmentally friendly disposal for anything that can’t be used by community groups. Millions of people in Britain can’t afford a healthy diet – the more food companies who come on board the more people FareShare can reach and the greater impact on society.”
FareShare’s call to industry also coincides with the launch of its 2008 National Impact Report, new research conducted to evaluate its impact, which reveals that:
- Almost 70% of community projects serving disadvantaged people have made savings thanks to the food they receive from FareShare and have redirected those funds into other support services.
- 92% of FareShare’s clients agree that the food they receive helps them stay fit and healthy.
Hoping to kick-start its appeal for more supporters, FareShare is hosting an event in Central London on the 18th September, bringing together key figures from Government and industry. Speakers include Joan Ruddock MP & Minister for DEFRA and Alastair Sykes, IGD President and Chairman & CEO, Nestlé UK. Issues of food poverty and how it can be alleviated via the FareShare model, in partnership with industry, will be highlighted together with not only the social benefits of this solution but also the environmental ones.
FareShare CEO Tony Lowe will also use the event as a platform to set out the charity’s three-year vision for expansion:
- To open a further 18 depots, bringing its total number to 30
- To provide nutritious food to 2,500 community organisations and charities
- To redistribute 20,000 tonnes of food per year
- To provide everyday support to 100,000+ vulnerable people through food provision, as well as providing training and education
- To offer 6,000 volunteer opportunities
For more information about the fantastic work that FareShare does, click here.
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