FareShare South West set a huge new distribution record in March

FareShare South West set a huge new distribution record in March

Posted on: 08 Apr 2021

The team distributed more than 431 tonnes of food during the last weeks of their FoodStock project.

 

Bristol-based organisation FareShare South West registered a record-breaking month in March, distributing an incredible 431 tonnes of produce to people in need across the region as they reached the end of a five-month emergency food drive.

 

Launched in response to the coronavirus crisis, FoodStock 2020 was established to provide vital food support for a growing number of vulnerable people, initially working towards a target of 1 million meals for those in need.

 

Scheduled to conclude in mid-February, the project was extended to the end of March meet demand, going on to distribute more food in its final month alone than FareShare South West did in an entire year between 2018 and 2019.

 

 

FareShare have been working tirelessly throughout the pandemic to prepare and distribute food across the South West region, supporting frontline workers, vulnerable people and their families.

 

Operating out of their temporary HQ at Ashton Gate Stadium, and having reached the end of their FoodStock drive, the team are now looking to set up a sustainable, long-term system to provide over 300 organisations with good-quality surplus food week in, week out.

 

In a statement released last week, FareShare South West CEO Julian Mines said: “Here at FareShare South West we’re at a turning point in our operations since the pandemic began.

 

“Much of the temporary infrastructure we have been using to scale up our operation to react to the crisis is set to conclude. This includes DEFRA funded food, which meant we were able to get more food than ever out to those in need in our region.

 

“With that, we are returning to our sustainable long-term model of surplus only food redistribution – something that continued in addition to the emergency food we delivered during the past 12 months. The health crisis might be abating here in the UK for now, but hunger is not.

 

“We’re determined to source as much surplus food as possible so that we can continue to feed those who need it most as well as reducing food waste. Food waste is a significant environmental issue and one where we feel our work can be a part of the solution.

 

“A spirit of determination remains high as we move into Spring so we’re confident that with the help of our key partners and support from the region, we can ensure our surplus model works at scale to feed all those who need it.”

FareShare South West CEO, Julian Mines.FareShare South West CEO, Julian Mines.

 

FareShare South West's FoodStock 2020 drive may have come to an end, but the charity are still relying on donations and support from the public to help them continue providing quality surplus food to schools, charities and community groups across the region.

 

For more information, to make a donation or to find volunteering opportunities in the coming weeks, head to the FareShare South West website or find the team on Twitter.

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Article by:

Matt Robson

 

Editor - 365Bristol.com & LOUD Magazine
 

Matt is a Journalism graduate and writer, passionate about supporting Bristol music, art and independent business. Get in touch via email at matt@365bristol.com.