The Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has announced that food redistribution charities can now submit applications to a new £15 million government scheme.

The scheme called Tackling Food Surplus at the Farm Gate will help strengthen links between farms and charities to help solve the problem of food surplus on farms, with grants starting from £20,000 to help organisations.

Applicants can submit bids outlining how they intend to form relationships with farmers to access any surplus food, and how they would seek to increase their capacity to redistribute this food to communities.

The funding can go towards purchasing new packaging and labelling equipment and vehicles to move goods from farms to a redistribution organisation, as well as new equipment, like fridges or freezers, to safely store food and ensure it lasts longer.

The fund, which closes on 13 March, is open to food redistribution charities and any groups with an interest are encouraged to apply.

Norman Macdonald, vice chair of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar’s sustainable development committee said: “Promising to reduce waste and redistribute British produce to those who need it most, this scheme is very welcome.

“I would encourage all eligible local organisations to take advantage of this opportunity to enhance the excellent service they already provide and apply to this fund.”

New fund aims to redistribute surplus food

19 February 2025