Sainsbury’s has celebrated 20 years of food charity network Fareshare by encouraging more of its fresh produce suppliers to donate excess produce directly.
The retailer trialled the concept last year through fresh produce giant Fresca, and said that, to date, one million meals including fruit and vegetables have been donated directly from the field.
It said it now wants to bring more producers into direct contact with Fareshare in a fresh produce donation ‘summit’, launched yesterday (8 December) to coincide with the 20th anniversary of Fareshare, which Sainsbury’s founded alongside homeless charity Crisis.
Sainsbury's head of sustainability Paul Crewe said: “Sainsbury’s has pioneered retailer food donations for twenty years - including donating food straight from our depots. But we wanted to do even more.
“By linking in our major suppliers we’ve created an entirely new way to help those who are in need – particularly offering more crucial nutrition through fruit and veg.
“This isn’t about donating a few dented cans – this is a huge process that makes sure even more surplus food that’s fit for human consumption throughout our supply chain gets to people who need it.”
Fareshare director, Mark Varney, said: “Sainsbury’s has shown strong leadership in its own operation through its food donations – so we’re delighted that they’re encouraging suppliers to do the same.
“Through the summit, our charity partners have already received an extra 495 tonnes of fruit and vegetables – nutrition they so desperately require to offer balanced meals to people who really need them.”
Fresca operations director Tim Espley said donating to Fareshare has involved changing packhouse operations, but feedback from the charity has been rewarding.
“By the very nature of our products there will always be a certain amount we can't pack for a retailer but which is still perfectly edible. Instead of sending it for composting or animal feed, we prefer to work with Fareshare where we can,” he said.
No comments yet