Surplus Food
Food surplus can occur at every stage of the food supply chain, from farms to households. Foods that are unsold at supermarkets or restaurants, or that can pile up in farms or in storages can ultimately result in food waste and food loss.
There are lots of organisations and producers in the UK that are redistributing surplus food to make sure that good food does not go to waste.
FareShare
FareShare South West was formed in 2007 to help tackle the food poverty issue in the South West by redistributing surplus food across the region. By using quality, in date surplus food which would otherwise have gone to waste, they turn an environmental problem into a social solution.
Hubbub
Hubbub coordinates the world’s largest Community Fridge Network with 250 Community Fridges now running across the UK. Hubbub work in partnership with Co-op to fund the community fridges.
The Community Fridge Network offers free guidance to groups wanting to set up their own community fridge, and provides comprehensive support, design assets, peer support, health and safety templates as well as discounted fridges and freezers!
Visit the Hubbub website to find out how to start your local fridge
Caboodle
Caboodle is an efficient online booking tool for community groups looking to access surplus food from local retailers. They also support volunteers to connect with their local community groups.
Their aim is to empower retailers and communities to tackle unnecessary food waste, by making it easier to redistribute fresh, nutritious, surplus food from supermarkets, cafes, and retailers out into the community.
Neighbourly
Neighbourly helps businesses make a positive impact in their communities by donating volunteer time, money, and surplus products, all in one place. Neighbourly works with businesses to ensure product surplus is put to good use in the community – whether it’s food and drink or toiletries, books and household goods.
Visit the Neighbourly website to find out how you can get involved
The Gleaning Network
The Gleaning Network is a network of groups, organisations, farmers, charities, and keen volunteers who are all working to reduce farm-level food waste. The Gleaning Network exists to bring together and empower communities, enabling them to salvage surplus food left on farms; food which can then be redistributed within the local area.
Visit the Gleaning Network website for more information and resources
