A survey of more than 2,700 UK charities has found that without that rescued food, 32% would have to close their food support and 52% would need to scale back their offer because they could not otherwise afford the food they need.
With the Iran conflict leading to food and fuel price increases, more and more people face food insecurity. The survey revealed that 41% of charities who receive food from Felix have seen an increase in demand, and for a further 13%, demand more than doubled in the last 12 months.
According to WRAP it’s estimated a billion meals go to waste every year. Felix works with supermarkets, restaurants, wholesalers, manufacturers and farmers to rescue that food and get it where it’s needed most.
Charlotte Hill OBE, chief executive of Felix, said: “The current situation is a perfect storm. Food inflation means more people simply can’t afford to feed themselves and their families and have no choice but to turn to a charity. At the same time the charity sector is seeing higher costs and reduced donations.
“We saw this in action last month when the Prime Minister announced the Government would work alongside the food industry, the voluntary sector and funders to build a plan to treble food redistribution in the UK.
“Through this vital work we’re turning the environmental problem of surplus food, that would otherwise go to waste, into a social opportunity. By sharing that food with more than 8,000 charities across the UK, we are helping them support more people and strengthen local communities.”
If you would like to find out more or donate, visit: www.felix.org.