Vitacress UK mint

Vitacress Herbs has named food rescue organisation UKHarvest as its charity of the year for 2019 as it continues to help tackle food waste and supply nutritious food to those in need.

The supplier has been donating potted herbs to the Chichester-based charity since the beginning of 2018. UKHarvest collects high-quality excess food from commercial outlets and delivers it, direct and free of charge, to charities.

Simon Conway, managing Director of Vitacress Herbs, said: “We have been supporting the fantastic team at UKHarvest for a while and since the beginning of 2018 we have donated more than 6,000 pot herbs, that UKHarvest have distributed, along with other donated food, to various charity organisations and schools.

“Not only does this ensure that vulnerable people have access to highly nutritious food, but it helps tackle issues of food waste.Almost half of all fresh produce is wasted due to consumer habits and retail standards, and organisations like UKHarvest play an important role in ensuring that surplus food goes to good use.

“We’re pleased that, by linking up with them, Vitacress is able to do its part.”

As well as donating fresh herbs, Vitacress will also raise money for UKHarvest over the course of the year through a number of fundraising events, with staff also set to volunteer at UKHarvest.

Yvonne Thomson, chief executive ofUKHarvest, said:“We are thrilled to have been chosen as Vitacress’ charity of the year. The support Vitacress has given us to date has made a huge difference to the thousands of people we support every week.

“Becoming their charity of the year is so incredible and will make such a difference to our organisation and to people’s lives.”