04Feb

Defra to provide funding for food redistribution schemes

Posted on 4th February, 2019

The government has introduced a pilot scheme for food redistribution organisations allowing them to apply for a funding share of up to £5m.

The funding forms part of a £15m scheme launched by Environment Secretary Michael Gove last year, which aims to crack down on food waste generated from the retail and food manufacturing industries.  Organisations can now submit bids for funding to “overcome the financial barriers,” to redistributing surplus food, which has ended up as waste, according to Defra.

Estimated figures from the government show that around 100,000 tonnes of ‘edible’ food ended up as waste from the retail and food manufacturing sector, while 43,000 tonnes of surplus food is assigned for redistribution from retailers and food manufacturers each year. The redistribution scheme will also see less food waste entering anaerobic digestion facilities across the country.

Discussing the pilot scheme, Defra Minister, Therese Coffey, commented: “It is absolutely right that we end the scandal of food waste and this substantial funding will help that happen.” She added: “We want to build on the great work already being done by businesses, charities and volunteers. Perfectly good food should be on people’s plates and not unnecessarily discarded.”

Candidates must also mention how they will assist food businesses with reducing their surplus in the long term, on their submission forms. All applications must be submitted by the deadline on 20 February.

Commenting on the scheme, Marcus Gover, chief executive at WRAP, said: “We welcome the setting up of this fund, which will help to accelerate the redistribution of surplus food from retailers and food manufacturers to people who can benefit from it.”

For more information and to apply for funding, visit Defra’s website.