Grant News

The UK government has announced a new £15 million fund aimed at helping charities redistribute surplus food from farms to those in need. The scheme will launch in 2025 and will provide grants starting from £20,000 to not-for-profit food redistribution organisations in England. The initiative, which does not yet have an official name, aims to strengthen the links between farms and charities, addressing the issue of farm food waste while supporting vulnerable communities.

The fund's primary purpose is to enable charities to collect and distribute edible food that might otherwise go to waste on farms. Around 330,000 tonnes of edible food is estimated to be wasted or repurposed as animal feed before leaving farm gates each year. The grants can be used to purchase equipment such as balers or hoppers, invest in new technology, or provide staff training, enhancing charities' capacity to handle and process surplus farm produce.

Organisations eligible to apply for this funding include homeless shelters, food banks, and other charities involved in food redistribution. The scheme is currently not open for applications, as it is set to be launched in 2025. Details on the application process and specific closing dates have not yet been announced. This initiative, overseen by Circular Economy Minister Mary Creagh, demonstrates the government's commitment to reducing food waste and supporting those facing food insecurity.

Further information will be made available in due course.