Farmers donate over 15,000 meals during protest
20th November 2024
Food re-distribution charity City Harvest said it is “so grateful” to farmers for donations made during the London protest.
Farmers donated 6.6 tonnes of high-quality British food during yesterday’s protest in London over changes to inheritance tax.
The donations equate to 15,400 nutritious meals for those in need, City Harvest has confirmed.
The London charity, which redistributes waste food to those who need it, attended the farmers’ protest march, after organisers said they wanted to make a mass donation to food banks.
City Harvest CEO Sarah Calcutt commented: “We were honoured to ensure every donation was safely received and handled with as much care as the time and skill spent producing it.
“We are so grateful for the donations and know how life changing nutritious food is for people who struggle to afford fresh produce for their families.
“From our research that forms our annual value reports we are acutely aware that malnutrition is a huge generational threat to the UK.”
Donations highlight generosity of farmers
The protest was organised by four farmers, Olly Harrison, Andrew Ward, Martin Williams and Clive Bailye, to take a stand against recent changes to agricultural inheritance tax reliefs.
Farmers participating in the event brought British produce to donate to those in need.
City Harvest facilitated the collection and distribution of these donations, which will support local food banks, and communities across London and beyond.
This initiative highlights the resilience and generosity of the farming community, emphasising their commitment to feeding the nation despite challenging circumstances, City Harvest said.
READ MORE: Jeremy Clarkson joins farmers’ rally and asks government to ‘back down’
READ MORE: GALLERY: Farmers head to London en masse to protest against family farm tax
Impacts of malnutrition
Each week, City Harvest rescues over 120 tonnes of food from retailers, manufacturers, distributors and events, and delivers it, free of charge, to organisations that feed those who are unable to access or afford food.
This includes schools, community centres, food banks, women’s refuges, homeless charities, soup kitchens and refugee centres.
Its latest Food report explores how the cost of living crisis is impacting UK growers’ ability to compete with imported produce, and the social impact of increasing malnutrition.
In the June 2024 People report, it states: ‘The NHS will continue to be strained from treating acute and chronic conditions caused by hunger and unhealthy diets.
‘Spending on malnutrition is estimated to cost the NHS £19.6bn per year, while obesity costs the NHS around £6.5bn a year as it is the second biggest cause of cancer.’
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