FARMERS are being urged to donate edible food waste to redistribution charity FareShare.

Rural insurer NFU Mutual has launched a campaign urging its policyholders to consider making donations of surplus food, reaching out across its network of farming, wholesale, retail and hospitality customers across the UK.

In the UK, around 8.4million people struggle to afford to eat – but at the same time, the nation produces a yearly food surplus equivalent to 1.3billion meals. FareShare works with UK food businesses to take as much of that surplus as possible and redirect it to the people who need it. As part of that effort, FareShare’s 'Surplus with Purpose' fund offers eligible businesses a contribution towards harvesting and transport to help them cover the cost of donating. Since 2021, the Mutual has donated £150,000 in support of this scheme.

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The Mutual's Jo Lumani commented: “As the insurer of three quarters of the UK’s farms and thousands of wholesale, retail and hospitality businesses, NFU Mutual is perfectly placed to introduce businesses to FareShare’s surplus scheme. Our network of farmers, retailers, wholesalers and hospitality venues could make a huge difference in the fight against food poverty. That’s why we’re urging business owners to speak to FareShare about how they can lessen their food waste and help feed those in need.”

Speaking from scheme participant B&G Nurseries, Dan Byrd said: “We’ve been working with FareShare for three years now, it’s a really worthwhile initiative. They take most of our surplus crop, that would otherwise go unharvested, and direct it to those who need it most. Nobody should go hungry.”

Commercial Manager at FareShare, Shula Granville, said: “We work with over 500 food businesses who play a crucial role in our support for vulnerable people across the UK. Not only do their supplies help to get food on plates, but businesses tell us their work with FareShare contributes to their sustainability goals, gives them a chance to give back to their local communities and increases staff engagement.

“In the last five years, we’ve quadrupled the amount of surplus food we redistribute. The food industry is becoming increasingly active against food waste and we’re delighted to be working with NFU Mutual to continue to drive that change, encouraging more businesses to do their part in the fight against food poverty.”

To book a ‘Waste Walk’ to help your business identify edible surplus food, visit https://fareshare.org.uk/giving-food/book-a-waste-walk/