NFU Mutual has today launched a campaign urging businesses from across the food supply chain to donate edible food waste to redistribution charity FareShare.

With its network of farming, wholesale, retail and hospitality customers across the UK, the leading rural insurer is hoping to increase surplus food donations by introducing policyholders to the scheme.

In the UK, around 8.4million people struggle to afford to eat.¹ At the same time, the nation produces a yearly food surplus equivalent to 1.3billion meals.²

FareShare works with UK food businesses to take as much of that surplus as possible and redirect it to the people who need it most.

FareShare’s Surplus with Purpose fund also offers eligible businesses a contribution towards harvesting and transport to help them cover the cost of donating. ³ Since 2021, NFU Mutual has donated £150,000 in support of the scheme.

Dan Byrd, from B&G Nurseries, said: “We’ve been working with FareShare for three years now, it’s a really worthwhile initiative. They take most of our surplus crop, that would otherwise go unharvested, and direct it to those who need it most. Nobody should go hungry.”

Jo Lumani from NFU Mutual, said: “NFU Mutual has been supporting our communities on the issues that matter most for over a hundred years. As the insurer of three quarters of the UK’s farms and thousands of wholesale, retail and hospitality businesses, NFU Mutual is perfectly placed to introduce businesses to FareShare’s surplus scheme.

“Our network of farmers, retailers, wholesalers and hospitality venues could make a huge difference in the fight against food poverty. That’s why we’re urging business owners to speak to FareShare about how they can lessen their food waste and help feed those in need.”

Shula Granville, Commercial Manager at FareShare, said: “We work with over 500 food businesses who play a crucial role in our support for vulnerable people across the UK. Not only do their supplies help to get food on plates, but businesses tell us their work with FareShare contributes to their sustainability goals, gives them a chance to give back to their local communities and increases staff engagement.

“In the last 5 years, we’ve quadrupled the amount of surplus food we redistribute. The food industry is becoming increasingly active against food waste and we’re delighted to be working with NFU Mutual to continue to drive that change, encouraging more businesses to do their part in the fight against food poverty.”

To book a ‘Waste Walk’ to help your business identify edible surplus food, visit https://fareshare.org.uk/giving-food/book-a-waste-walk/