TrustMark, the Government-endorsed ‘find a tradesperson’ scheme, is actively supporting FareShare Southern Central in their quest to fight food hunger and tackle waste by redistributing food to a wide range of organisations in Basingstoke and across Hampshire. Based in Basingstoke, TrustMark is working with FareShare to help increase food distribution to breakfast clubs, lunch clubs for older people, night shelters, women’s refuges, community cafes and food banks in and around the large town. In addition, TrustMark is also funding three local children’s centres in Southampton.
Operating since April 2014, FareShare Southern Central provides good quality food to charities and community organisations in Hampshire. They work closely with the food and drink industry, salvaging surplus food and delivering it to charities and community groups who then transform it into nutritious meals for vulnerable people. In the past year alone, FareShare Southern Central have supplied 1,169,047 meals to communities, schools and households.
To experience how the surplus food is rescued and redistributed around the local area, TrustMark sent two members of staff to spend a day with volunteers at FareShare Southern Central in Southampton. From getting the food in, to organising it and then delivering it to the centres across Hampshire, gave the team an insight into how they could help address the wider causes of why people may be struggling to feed themselves and give everyone a fair chance in life.
Simon Ayers, Chief Executive of TrustMark, said: “We’re thrilled to be working with FareShare Southern Central to increase food redistribution in our local area, Basingstoke. This is one of the most active areas in the country, distributing over 42,000 meals in the last year. We’re keen to get involved wherever possible, and are in the process of planning a company Skydive in April 2017 to raise more money for FareShare. Thanks to the good work of FareShare, not only is this food going to good use, but it is being redistributed to tackle food poverty in the UK and provide nourishment to struggling communities.”
Claire Johns, Food Manager of FareShare, added: “We would like to say a big thank you to TrustMark for their active support and genuine interest in what we do. By working together, we will be able to
expand our service in Basingstoke and further afield in Hampshire by increasing the number of meals we supply to communities, schools and households.”
If you are interested in finding out more about the work that FareShare do, or finding out how you can get involved, you can visit their website here: fareshare.org.uk
To find your nearest TrustMark registered firm, please visit trustmark.org.uk