The Coronation Food Project, delivered in partnership with FareShare across the UK and The Felix Project in London, was formally launched on November 14th on His Majesty's 75th birthday.
The Alliance Manufacturing programme seeks to unlock more surplus food for redistribution by bringing project members together to share their surplus, underutilised and donated resources in all forms – food, packaging, labour hours, and factory/distribution capacity.
George Wright, chief executive of FareShare, said: "The response from the food industry leaders and their teams has been incredible. I shared the idea with them, and they've really taken it on, working together to make it a reality.
“The food is already getting to our charities – school clubs, community centres and a whole spectrum of support services - and with so many families impacted by the cost-of-living crisis, it is making a difference already. We are all incredibly grateful to them.”
The Project intends to provide even more food to support the 13 million people in the UK experiencing food insecurity by targeting all forms of waste in the food supply chain.
Dame Martina Milburn, co-chair of the Coronation Food Project, added: "Millions of tonnes of food are going to waste while too many families are wondering where their next meal is coming from. As we head towards Christmas, there is an urgent and growing need to save more surplus food and redistribute it to communities in need.
“That's what the Coronation Food Project is all about - tackling the twin issues of food waste and food insecurity in one. It is very good news to see the supermarkets and food manufacturers making such a historic commitment in support of the project. This can and will make a tangible difference to people's lives."