FareShare South West is launching a new scheme to recruit 200 Food Friends to help tackle food waste and food poverty in Bristol.
Two million people have been pushed into hunger since the pandemic and yet, thousands of tonnes of good-to-eat food is still being thrown away. FareShare South West fights hunger while tackling food waste. They do this by redistributing in-date, good quality, surplus food from right across the food supply chain to frontline charities and organisations who work with the most vulnerable.
Over the last few years, FareShare South West have had to upscale their operations massively. Post pandemic, emergency funding has decreased but the demand for food is bigger than ever. The Food Friends scheme aims to plug this gap by calling on members of the public who wish to commit to tackling food waste and hunger long term.
By becoming a Food Friend and donating monthly to FareShare South West, an individual can become a part of the solution and ensure that the response to our broken food system is not just a short term sticking plaster.
“We need to create a food system where surplus is diverted to those who need it as standard,” said Jenny Weld, the Supporter Care Officer at FareShare South West. “Amidst a climate crisis and rising UK hunger we just can’t let it go to waste. This change is possible. But only with regular support from people who back this change.”
FareShare South West have set up a campaign to recruit their first 200 Food Friends to be part of the scheme. Food Friends are integral to the long-term sustainability of the charity.
“By joining the fight against hunger and food waste, you will be investing in rebuilding a broken food system for good,” explained Jenny. “All while helping break the cycle of food poverty in your local community.”
£5 a month can cover the fuel costs for a charity partner’s food delivery fortnightly
£10 a month can save enough food for 480 meals over a year
£25 a month can keep food in our warehouse fresh for 50 charities and the people they are supporting
To become a Food Friend, sign up here www.faresharesouthwest.org.uk/foodfriend