Image credit – Warehouse Group

Each year, Wales faces the daunting reality of approximately 400,000 tonnes of food waste, much of which remains perfectly edible. Astonishingly, if merely 1% of this surplus were recovered, it could equate to over nine million meals – enough to provide three meals to every individual in Wales. Meanwhile, a stark contrast exists as a quarter of the Welsh population grapples with poverty and food insecurity, unable to access sufficient, nutritious food.

Founded in 2010, FareShare Cymru has risen to the challenge, redistributing surplus food to charities and community groups throughout Wales. This initiative ensures that good food, otherwise destined for disposal, finds its way to those in need. The impact is profound: from cookery classes and school breakfast clubs to community pantries and homeless shelters, FareShare Cymru supports a vast network of groups dedicated to providing essential services and fostering community spirit.

Surplus with Purpose Cymru

In response to escalating food waste and community needs, the Surplus with Purpose Cymru fund was introduced. Recognising the financial pressures on Welsh food businesses, this fund offers a solution by making it entirely cost-free to donate surplus food. For producers, growers, and manufacturers, the fund covers expenses related to harvesting, labour, storage, packaging, and transportation, effectively eliminating any financial barriers to contributing their surplus goods.

The initiative has seen remarkable success across various sectors. Take Paviland Farm in Rhossili, for example. Post-Halloween, the farm faced a surplus of pumpkins with no commercial market. By accessing the Surplus with Purpose Cymru fund, Paviland Farm was able to cover the costs of transporting the pumpkins to Cardiff for redistribution. Louise Harry-Thomas of Paviland Farm praised the seamless process, stating, ‘FareShare Cymru made it so easy to both donate the pumpkins to their network of charities, but also to cover the costs in transporting them up to Cardiff. We’d be delighted to work with them again in the future.’

Call to action for the Welsh food industry

With two million tonnes of the 3.6 million tonnes of annual food waste in Wales still suitable for consumption, FareShare Cymru is dedicated to making donations more economical than disposal. The organisation urges the food industry to join this mission, emphasising that every contribution, whether from large producers or small farms like Paviland, can significantly impact reducing food waste and aiding vulnerable communities.

FareShare Cymru invites food businesses of all sizes to partner in this vital cause. By donating surplus food, companies can not only reduce waste but also provide crucial support to those in need.

Image credit – FareShare Cymru

For more information, contact FareShare Cymru at 02920 362111, email swp@fareshare.cymru, or visit fareshare.cymru/surplus-with-purpose