**Devon Food Organization Receives £1.5m Grant for Food Redistribution**
A vital initiative in Devon has recently been awarded over £1.5 million to facilitate the redistribution of surplus food within the local community. This funding comes under the auspices of the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA), part of a broader initiative that includes grants totaling £13.6 million allocated to 12 charitable organizations throughout England. The objective of this program is to redirect over 19,000 tons of food that would typically be discarded to homeless shelters, food banks, and various charitable entities.
**Contributions from Food in Community CIC**
Chantelle Norton, representative of the not-for-profit entity Food in Community CIC, shared insights into their operations. “We engage volunteers to glean excess vegetables and fruits from farms and orchards, and then we redistribute this surplus,” she explained. The recent funding is poised to significantly enhance their operations by facilitating job creation and expanding volunteering opportunities, which align with their mission to provide food resources to communities in need.
**Expanding Outreach and Operations**
Norton further articulated the profound impact of the grant on the organization’s activities. By increasing their gleaning operations, Food in Community aims to extract more surplus food from agricultural fields that might otherwise remain unharvested. The initiative will also foster local food production by utilizing the surplus to supplement food supplies distributed to various entities, including community groups and a café managed by the organization.
David Markson, another member from Food in Community, elaborated on their current methods of operation, revealing that they run a free box scheme for local residents. However, they have had to tighten referral procedures due to demand. “If we expanded too much, we could be inundated,” Markson noted, indicating that the funding would allow them to broaden access to more individuals facing food insecurity.
**Community and Agricultural Collaboration**
The organization’s collaboration with farmers has been commendable. Norton emphasized the farmers’ generosity in allowing volunteers access to their land for gleaning. Looking ahead, she expressed aspirations for the facility to potentially play a role in commissioning specific crops for growth, thereby promoting sustainable food practices and utilization.
**Tackling Food Waste and Cultural Shift**
The inception of the Tackling Food Surplus at the Farm Gate scheme aims to enhance the partnership between charities and farmers, ensuring that surplus food is effectively redirected from fields to the communities. DEFRA has articulated that these grants enable charities to negotiate better access to potentially wasted food, shifting the cultural perspective on food waste in Britain.
Waste Minister Mary Creagh remarked on the government’s commitment to combating food poverty, stating, “Our Plan for Change is addressing food waste culture, ensuring good food remains on plates rather than ending up in the landfill.” She expressed delight in the support provided to 12 deserving charitable organizations, which will enhance vital relationships with farmers and ensure their high-quality produce reaches those who need it most.
**Conclusion**
With the allocation of substantial financial resources to initiatives like Food in Community, there is renewed hope for addressing food waste and hunger in the Devon area. By fostering partnerships between local farms and charitable organizations, this initiative stands to make a significant difference in the lives of many. The proactive engagement of volunteers, the willingness of farmers, and strategic governmental support exemplify a concerted effort to build a more sustainable and inclusive food supply chain. As these organizations expand their reach and capabilities, communities will witness a marked improvement in access to nutritious food, thereby addressing critical needs amidst ongoing socio-economic challenges.
