FareShare Scotland calls for business support as Scottish Grocer teams up with the food charity
LIVING costs have shown no sign of dropping and this year, a lot of retailers have told the Scottish Grocer how they have had to step in to help their communities.
This is why the Scottish Grocer has partnered for the third year with the food redristribution charity, FareShare Scotland, for a Christmas Food Collection and are calling on food businesses for support.
FareShare is the UK’s leading food redistribution charity, working with the food industry to rescue good to eat surplus food, that might otherwise go to waste, and deliver it to thousands of charities and community groups.
In Scotland, over 600 charities receive food via the FareShare network, which is delivered by local partners Move On (Glasgow and West of Scotland), Cyrenians (Central and Southeast Scotland), Transform (Tayside and Fife) and CFINE (Grampian and Highlands).
The food provided enables charities to offer vital services from school breakfast clubs to homelessness shelters, refuges and lunch clubs for older people.
Whether businesses donate one-off batches or provide a regular supply, food sources through the Christmas Food Collection will be invaluable.
Last year FareShare Scotland redistributed 4,500 tonnes of good food – the equivalent of 14million meals – to Scottish communities.
In Aberdeen, Middlefield Community Project serves local people from toddlers right through to older people and those struggling with their mental health. The project offers employment workshops, emergency food, cooking and day trips, providing a lifeline for a community that is within the poorest 3% of Scotland.
FareShare Scotland is already estimates that there is up to 200,000 tonnes of good-to-eat food wasted every year.
Jon Molyneux, external affairs lead for FareShare Scotland, said: “Everyone enjoys food and drink at this time of year, but that can also mean a lot more waste.
“FareShare is here to rescue good food that could have been wasted and instead put it to work doing amazing things in local communities. The charities we work with can only do what they do with support from businesses across the country. If you’re reading this and think you could be part of this incredible work then please do get in touch.”
Clare O’Keeffe, commercial officer for FareShare Scotland said: “Thanks to the generosity of the Scottish Grocer team and organisations that took part, last year’s campaign was a great success. The donations were distributed to charities and community groups across Scotland and over two years have provided the equivalent of over 16,500 meals.
“We’re encouraging organisations to get involved again this year, and support people and communities that are struggling during the Christmas period.”
To donate to this year’s Scottish Grocer Christmas Food Collection, please contact clare.okeeffe@fareshare.org.uk.
