Fresh Direct and City Harvest celebrate one million meals

City Harvest, the leading London-based food redistribution charity, has announced that Fresh Direct has become the first business to receive a plaque to celebrate its donation of the equivalent of one million meals to help address food poverty across London.

Fresh Direct, the UK’s leading provider of foodservice fresh produce, has had a long-standing relationship with City Harvest providing surplus food from its Dagenham depot as it supports the charity’s mission to rescue food, people and the planet by diverting surplus food to communities across the capital.

“We’re delighted to have achieved this major milestone with City Harvest,” said Andy Pembroke, managing director of Fresh Direct.

“We have supported the charity for several years and we know that when we have surplus food, City Harvest is well-placed to ensure that it goes to those who need it most.

“We’re proud to be part of Sysco, which is a purpose-led company, and the programme of food redistribution supports our mission, which is connecting the world to share food and care for one another, as well as helping us towards our goal of halving food waste by 2030,” he noted.

”I’m also delighted to see many colleagues using their volunteering hours to support City Harvest.”

Mary Parsons, head of food, City Harvest, added: “We are immensely grateful to Fresh Direct for reaching the incredible milestone of donating one million meals to City Harvest.

“Through our collaborative partnership, we have been able to make a profound impact - providing nourishment and hope to thousands of Londoners in need.

”This achievement reflects the strength of our partnership and our shared dedication of ensuring no good food goes to waste,” she added.

In recognition of reaching the equivalent of one million meals and the vital role that fresh produce plays in providing nutritious food to communities across London, City Harvest has presented a commemorative plaque to Fresh Direct’s Dagenham depot.