The government is inviting applications for a share of a £5 million fund designated to help tackle 100,000 tonnes of food waste in Britain each year.
Redistribution organisations will be able to bid into a £5m pot to help them fund efforts to divert surplus edible food from the bin.
It's the first round of £15m scheme launched last year by the environment secretary, and follows the government’s new Resources and Waste Strategy launch last month.
Environment minister Thérèse Coffey said: “It is absolutely right that we end the scandal of food waste and this substantial funding will help that happen.
“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.”
Around 43,000 tonnes of surplus food is redistributed from retailers and food manufactures every year, with a further 100,000 tonnes, the equivalent of 250 million meals, being discarded and used as animal feed or for energy generation.
The fund is open for applications from organisations that receive surplus food to distribute to those in need across Britain.
The newly appointed Food Surplus and Waste Champion, Ben Elliot, said: “Today’s announcement is an exciting step which will turbocharge efforts to reduce the frankly unforgivable amount of food which goes to waste.
“My role is all about championing this crucial issue and I’m convinced the significant amount of money the government has made available will really help to amplify the good work which food redistribution companies do in this country.”
Food businesses interested in redistributing surplus food can contact their local redistribution organisation to see how they can help. The grant closes on 20 February 2019.
