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.
More than 450 million meals
WRAP’s research has shown that where food waste cannot be prevented, there is potential to redistribute the equivalent to around 400 million meals a year.
Support available
Resource hub
Our new resource hub has 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, which is still accepting applications.
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 Surplus Network
Identifies redistribution organisations who can help, including local organisations and those who can take surplus crops.
Redistribution Working Group
As part of the Courtauld Commitment 2025, WRAP runs an active Working Group to provide a a forum to look at practical ways to increase food redistribution, discuss and share best practice, identify barriers and opportunities, and oversee the development of relevant new resources and approaches to monitoring progress.
Food Waste Reduction Roadmap
Our partnership programme with IGD helps the food and drink sector to 'Target, Measure, Act' on food surplus and waste.