A PARTNERSHIP is battling food waste and distributing surplus produce to those in need.
Hampshire County Council, housing provider VIVID, and food rescue charity UKHarvest are collaborating on the initiative, funded by £63,500 from the council's share of the UK Government's Household Support Fund. An additional £8,000 is supplied by VIVID.
UKHarvest collects surplus produce from food growers and producers, distribution outlets, and other charities, and delivers it to organisations in need.
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In the year to date, 22.7 tonnes (22,700 kilograms) of food have been distributed to 31 organisations, including foodbanks and community pantries.
One of the receiving organisations said: "We run a kitchen for a homeless charity, housing and feeding 38 companions.
"We also make soups for the homeless on the streets once a week.
"The food we get from UKHarvest really helps and goes a long way."
Hampshire County Council’s executive lead member for children’s services, Cllr Roz Chadd, said: "We’re pleased to support this innovative surplus food initiative that aims to help people in Hampshire experiencing hardship."
More than 5,642 households across Hampshire have benefited from the program so far.
Full details of the initiative can be found on the UKHarvest website at ukharvest.org.uk.
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