Millions of meals given to those in need

Cranswick Continental Foods and Puffin Produce have donated millions of meals to those in need as part of a ‘Surplus with Purpose’ scheme. 

The scheme is run by UK food redistribution charity FareShare and works to cover the extra cost of redistributing unsold food that is still good to eat.

FareShare works with the food industry to redistribute surplus food to a network of 8,000 charities and community groups across the UK.

Two of those businesses are Cranswick Continental Foods, based in Bury, and Puffin Produce, the largest supplier of Welsh produce in Wales. 

Reducing waste, alleviating hunger

Cranswick started using the scheme in April 2022, redistributing a selection of foods including salami, prosciutto, cheese and pepperoni. 

Within the space of two years the company has helped supply the equivalent of more than 800,000 meals.

Adam Bower, head of sustainability & ESG at Cranswick plc, said: “Food redistribution makes a crucial difference by reducing food waste, alleviating hunger, and fostering economic stability within our communities. 

“By ensuring surplus food reaches those in need, it promotes sustainability, improves health outcomes, and strengthens social bonds through collaborative efforts.  

“Ultimately, it embodies our commitment to creating a more equitable and resilient society for all.” 

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Perfect synergy

Puffin Produce started working with FareShare in 2020, providing surplus potatoes and leeks. It was recognised by FareShare as a Leading Food Partner in 2022.

Matthew Thomas, head of sales and marketing at Puffin Produce, said: “Reducing food waste is integral to us and if we can do this while helping charities across the UK, this is perfect synergy.

“FareShare helps so many vulnerable people and communities, it’s a fabulous organisation to support. 

“If your food supply business has any surplus produce you would normally throw away, we’d urge you to think about how this product can be redistributed to help others and reduce waste.”

Supporting people facing food poverty

Beth Pritchard, community engagement consultant at NFU Mutual, which has donated £350,000 to the charity since 2021, said: 

“As the leading rural insurer, we have been championing the opportunity for growers and producers to support the surplus with purpose scheme to help ensure excess produce is redistributed to those who really need it – as NFU Mutual is proud to be a long-standing supporter of FareShare.

“It is important throughout the year – especially in January after the festive period – to continue supporting people facing food poverty where possible, and we applaud the whole team at Puffin Produce for their outstanding effort in backing the work FareShare does.”

FareShare’s ‘Surplus with Purpose’ fund contributes to the cost of harvest or transporting surplus food and can help food businesses identify surplus food that could be redirected to charities. 

Find out more about the scheme at fareshare.org

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