Politicians saw first-hand how surplus food from farms is being used to support vulnerable communities as part of a visit with the NFU.
Seven MPs including Sarah Russell, MP for Congelton, Sam Carling, MP for North West Cambridgeshire, James Naish, MP for Rushcliffe, Josh Newbury, MP for Cannock Chase, Mike Reader, MP for Northampton South, Dr Roz Savage, MP for South Cotswolds and Rachel Taylor, MP for North Warwickshire and Bedworth visited FareShare in Liverpool, the UK’s largest food distribution charity as part of the NFU Food and Farming Fellowship Scheme.
The scheme, launched last year in partnership with sponsoring organisations ABP UK, AIC (Agricultural Industries Confederation), Arla Foods, Barfoots, the BEIC (British Egg Industry Council) and FareShare, showcases the industry and enables participating MPs from all political parties to see first-hand how sustainable and affordable food gets from field to fork.
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‘Unparalleled insight’
FareShare which sponsored the tour, works with over 100 farmers and food producers to rescue good quality surplus food that would otherwise go to waste, redistributing it to a network of 8,500 charities and community groups across the country, including many in the region. The charity recently announced a merger with The Felix Project, another leading food redistribution charity, to strengthen their combined efforts in fighting hunger and reducing food waste across the UK.
NFU External Affairs Adviser Neeve McGinty said: “It was brilliant to visit FareShare and The Felix Project to hear about how they work with farmers to get surplus food from the farm gate out to the people who need it the most.
“MPs toured the warehouse, heard from volunteers, and undertook a ready, steady, cook challenge with surplus/redistributed food.
“This marked the final visit of the NFU's MP Food and Farming Fellowship Scheme which was launched this year to give MPs an unparalleled insight into the food supply chain.”
Cooking challenge: In attendance were Sarah Russell, MP for Congelton, Sam Carling, MP for North West Cambridgeshire, James Naish, MP for Rushcliffe, Josh Newbury, MP for Cannock Chase, Mike Reader, MP for Northampton South, Dr Roz Savage, MP for South Cotswolds and Rachel Taylor, MP for North Warwickshire and Bedworth
Lifting the lid on production systems
The MPs had a hands-on insight into the food redistribution sector and its vital connection to British agriculture.
Kris Gibbon-Walsh, FareShare CEO, said: “We were delighted to host MPs at our warehouse in Merseyside to discuss our work redistributing surplus food to those in need.
“It was an opportunity for MPs to learn about how government, the food industry and the charity sector work together to strengthen communities through food.
“The NFU Food and Farming Fellowship is a fantastic initiative that lifts the lid on how production systems operate, and a chance for us to highlight policy challenges and opportunities for our sector.
“We’re grateful to the NFU for their partnership and for their longstanding support of charitable surplus food redistribution organisations like FareShare and The Felix Project.
“Every year, more than 1 billion meals worth of food go to waste in the supply chain that could easily be redirected to feed people in need in communities like those in Merseyside. The government has a once in a generation opportunity to support farmers in the Food and Circular Economy Strategies to redistribute more surplus to people who need it the most.”
NFU representatives highlighted the importance of supporting farmers in their efforts to reduce waste and contribute to food security. The collaboration between FareShare and the farming community demonstrates the positive impact of surplus food redistribution in local communities.
The visit highlighted how local farmers are playing a vital role in supporting families and individuals facing food insecurity.
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NFU External Affairs Adviser Neeve McGinty goes behind the scenes at the NFU Food and Fellowship Scheme visit to FareShare.
