Brighton surplus food charity warns demand for food help will only grow
Fareshare’s Sussex branch is part of a country-wide initiative helping redistribute food to smaller charities rather than wasting it
A Brighton-based charity making sure surplus food isn’t wasted says non-profits are needing its support more than ever before.
Fareshare’s Sussex branch is part of a country-wide initiative helping redistribute food to smaller charities, so it can go to those who need it most.
But the charity's national figures show without its help, more than 2,700 charities would have to close their food support and half would need to scale back their work.
Dan Slatter, CEO of Fareshare Sussex and Surrey, said: "In terms of finances, charities across the United Kingdom are under immense pressure at the minute.
"There is an enormous amount of surplus edible food in the UK, millions of tons of it. "And the tragedy is that there are people in our country and a growing number that are facing food insecurity or worse, even the reality of hunger."
The charity has partnered up with food rescue charity the Felix Project - who found two in five charities who receive food from them said they have seen an increase in demand over the past year amid fuel and food price rises.
Charlotte Hill, chief executive of Felix, said: “The current situation is a perfect storm.
“Food inflation means more people simply cannot afford to feed themselves and their families and have no choice but to turn to a charity.
“At the same time the charity sector is seeing higher costs and reduced donations.”
To support Fareshare's work in Sussex, you can visit their website .