Making sure no good food goes to waste
Preventing food waste at source should always be the priority, but surpluses can arise for a number of reasons; for example, food incorrectly labelled, over-ordered, over-supplied or obsolete seasonal stock.
200,000 tonnes
The latest figures for surplus food redistribution in the UK show that the amount of food saved from becoming waste continues to rise significantly. But nearly 200,000 tonnes of perfectly good food still go to waste in the supply chain.
Support available
Surplus Food Redistribution Resource Hub
All the information you need to help increase the redistribution of surplus food, in one place.
Resource Action Fund
Funding to support surplus food redistribution has been made available under the Resource Action Fund, financed by Defra and managed by WRAP. In 2020 this support was boosted through the COVID-19 Emergency Surplus Food Grant.
Labelling guidance
The redistribution labelling guide covers date labelling and storage instruction requirements for surplus food, in order for it to be safely redistributed, along with guidance for freezing and relabelling fresh food. The guide outlines simple information across four key food categories that typically carry a ‘Best Before’ date:
Food and Drink Surplus Network
Identifies redistribution organisations who can help, including local organisations and those who can take surplus crops.
Food Waste Reduction Roadmap
Our partnership programme with IGD helps the food and drink sector to 'Target, Measure, Act' on food surplus and waste.
Related resources
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Report
Ben Elliot: 'Redistribution in a time of crisis - no good food should go to waste'
14 October 2020