FareShare is a national UK charity that supports communities to relieve food poverty and reduce food waste. They obtain food from food manufacturers and retailers which is within its 'use by' date, but is surplus to their requirements, and distributes it to organisations working to support disadvantaged or vulnerable people such as day centres, refugee centres, drop-in centres for the homeless and many more. The Bristol based FareShare (FareShare South West) has been working with volunteers from Transition Bath since October 2010 with the aim of expanding the operation to Bath this coming autumn.
Relieving Food Poverty
It is estimated that up to 4 million people in the UK are either in, or on the edge of, food poverty while at the same time manufacturers and retailers are throwing away large quantities of food. The oft held perception of Bath is that the city is one of affluence; however there are a number of individuals living close to or below the poverty line. Data from the Office of National Statistics (2001) indicates that 19% of households in Bath live with an income below 60% of the median average. Living in poverty often means that food is scarce and healthy food choices are limited. This can have a dramatic effect on health and wellbeing. In the Bath area there are a number of charities and organisations who identify and help individuals vulnerable in society. By redistributing surplus food to these organisations FareShare can help them support those most vulnerable.
Reducing Food Waste
Every tonne of food waste sent to landfill is responsible for 4.5 tonnes of CO2 (WRAP, 2008). The distribution of surplus food by FareShare minimises the amount of food going to landfill. To food suppliers FareShare is an ethical, safe and positive way of helping them to meet government waste targets and protect the environment. In 2010/11 FareShare estimate that the redistribution of food through its operation helped businesses reduce their CO2 emissions by 1,800 tonnes.
Supporting the Community
In addition to their drive to eliminate food poverty and food waste FareShare also benefits the community by providing volunteer opportunities for individuals. FareShare South West supports approximately 40 volunteers who often come from the disadvantaged or vulnerable groups that they aim to support. These volunteers have the opportunity, through FareShare, to gain experience and work towards qualifications that can help them back into the workplace, and a chance to secure paid employment.
What can you expect?
During the initial months food deliveries to the Bath area will operate from the FareShare South West depot based in Bristol. This will allow the Bath operation to get going with the most support. The long term aim is for the Bath operation to be more locally based within the Bath community which will provide a greater opportunity to meet the needs of local organisations as well as aiming to reduce Bath’s food waste.
If you are a potential organisation who would like to know more or if you would like further information about FareShare and the plans for Bath please contact Rebecca Sarll (beckisarll@hotmail.com). If you would like more information about what FareShare are doing in the south west then check out their website http://www.faresharesouthwest.org.uk/ |