UK-based campaign group 38 Degrees has started a petition to persuade retailers to donate leftover produce that is safe to eat to foodbanks.
It is also seeking to encourage customers to donate towards a delivery service for those in need in their local area.
The group pointed to the French government’s efforts to make it the law for supermarkets to hand over unsold food still fit for consumption to charity. Meanwhile, Belgium became the first country in Europe to do so in May.
“Given that the UK is facing an ever-more worrying reliance on food banks, shouldn’t we be thinking along these lines too?” the group asked.
According to 38 Degrees, such a scheme would significantly reduce the pressure on the national health service.
“What better way to do this than to ensure the most needy have access to fresh fruit and vegetables and other basic essentials they currently can only class as a luxury if on benefits or a very low income?” it said.
“Those of us who are lucky enough to be able to afford wonderful groceries delivered to our doorstep could donate an extra £2 per purchase to ensure that fresh fruit and veg and other essential groceries are delivered to someone in need en route to our homes,” the group suggested.
