Surplus food fund of £500,000 launched
Provided by the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs, it will be available to not-for-profit organisations and will be administered by sustainability body Waste & Resources Action Programme (WRAP)
Grants will be awarded with the aim of significantly increasing the amount of food redistributed. Organisations that supply surplus food from food businesses – either directly to those in need or to other surplus food redistributors – can apply, and WRAP said it expected individual grants to range from £20,000-£75,000.
Funding for projects
The funding is on offer for projects to help overcome barriers to increasing redistribution. This can cover training in areas such as IT or food safety skills for those involved in supplying and distributing surplus food.
Charities will also be able to apply for help with infrastructure, such as packing, labelling facilities, freezer capacity or refrigerated vehicles, as well as technology to facilitate logistics between commercial donors and recipients.
Environment minister Thérèse Coffey outlined the criteria of the Food Waste Reduction Fund at the Courtauld Commitment 2025 Signatory Summit, held in London yesterday (January 31).
Receiving bids
“I look forward to the fund receiving bids from charities to redistribute surplus food,” she said.
Peter Maddox, director of WRAP, said: “This fund will make a huge difference too many organisations in England, and those who use their services. We’re particularly looking for new routes and fresh partnerships to get more surplus food to people in need.
“I’m keen to see expressions of interest that will increase redistribution from food manufacturers and businesses not already redistributing food, or which can significantly improve and increase existing redistribution chains.”
