“UK Government Reveals New £15 Million Food Waste Fund – Will It Make a Difference?”

The UK government has launched a significant initiative to tackle food waste and food insecurity with the announcement of a new £15 million fund.

What Happened?

On December 26, 2024, the UK government announced a new £15 million fund aimed at helping charities collect surplus food from farms and distribute it to those in need.

This initiative is part of broader efforts to address food waste issues and combat food insecurity across the country.

Key Features of the Fund

• Purpose: The fund is designed to support not-for-profit food redistribution organizations in England by providing grants starting from £20,000.
• This funding will enable charities to purchase essential equipment, such as balers and hoppers, invest in new technology, and provide training for staff to improve their capacity to collect and distribute surplus food effectively.
• Targeted Impact: The initiative aims to save approximately 27,000 tonnes of food annually, equivalent to around 60 million meals. It addresses the significant issue of edible food waste, with an estimated 330,000 tonnes of edible food wasted or repurposed as animal feed before leaving UK farms each year.
• Beneficiaries: Charities such as The Felix Project and FareShare have welcomed the funding. They emphasize that this support will help them meet the growing demand for food assistance among communities experiencing food insecurity.
• Charlotte Hill, CEO of The Felix Project, highlighted the scandal of wasted food and expressed optimism that the funding could unlock substantial supplies of healthy produce for those in need.

Context and Background

The announcement comes amid a rising demand for food banks across the UK. The Trussell Trust reported a staggering 37% increase in food parcel distribution between 2021/22 and 2022/23, with a further 4% increase recorded in 2023/24.

The growing number of individuals facing food insecurity—estimated at 11 million people, including 3 million children—underscores the urgency of this initiative.This funding was originally pledged by former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak in February 2024 but was delayed due to the general election.

The current government has now reaffirmed its commitment to addressing both food waste and hunger through this financial support.

Government Statements

Circular Economy Minister Mary Creagh emphasized the importance of connecting farmers with charities to ensure that good food does not go to waste. She stated:

“With families gathering to celebrate Christmas and the New Year, it’s important to remember those in our communities who may be going hungry this festive period.”

Creagh also noted that farmers are keen to see their produce reach those in need rather than being wasted or used as animal feed1.

Charitable Sector Response

The charitable sector has expressed enthusiasm about the fund’s potential impact. In a joint statement from Charlotte Hill (The Felix Project) and Kris Gibbon-Walsh (FareShare), they remarked:

“After years of campaigning by food redistribution charities, we are thrilled to see this fund come to fruition. We look forward to acting quickly with the government, the charity sector, and farmers to maximize the impact of this initiative during British growing season.”

This collaboration aims to ensure that surplus food reaches as many people as possible while addressing environmental concerns related to food waste.

How the £15 Million Fund Will Benefit Homeless Shelters and Food Banks

The UK government has introduced a £15 million fund aimed at combating food waste and supporting food security.

Launching in 2025, this initiative will offer grants starting at £20,000 to non-profit food redistribution organizations in England. The fund focuses on several key areas to benefit homeless shelters and food banks:

1. Access to Surplus Food: Facilitates the redistribution of approximately 330,000 tonnes of edible food that would otherwise go to waste or be used as animal feed, connecting farmers with charities.
2. Funding for Essential Equipment: Grants can be used to purchase hoppers, balers, and technology upgrades, streamlining food collection and distribution processes.
3. Training for Staff: Supports training programs in food safety, logistics, and IT skills, ensuring staff can effectively manage operations and safeguard recipient health.
4. Increased Capacity for Food Redistribution: Enhances the ability of shelters and food banks to collect, store, and distribute more food, addressing the rising demand for emergency food assistance.
5. Support During Critical Times: The fund’s timing aligns with periods of heightened need, such as festive seasons, ensuring vulnerable communities receive adequate nourishment.

Circular Economy Minister Mary Creagh emphasized the importance of remembering those who may be going hungry during these times, stating:

“Nobody wants to see good food go to waste – especially farmers who work hard to put food on family tables across the country.”

Circular Economy Minister Mary Creagh emphasized the importance of this initiative in reducing food waste and supporting those who may be going hungry, especially during significant times like Christmas and New Year.