Food thrown away while people are in poverty

The demand for food assistance across the UK is skyrocketing. The national Trussell Trust charity organisation has had over a 150% increase in the number of people and families requesting emergency parcels, and even with this occurring, sadly many households continue to throw away edible food every day.

Statistics show that tonnes of food, perishable items, meats, and more is being tossed by households and restaurants every year. Many charities, such as FareShare as well as churches, partner with Trussell Trust and other food banks to collect these surplus items. The aim it to stop this waste, and instead redirect the items to those that are disadvantaged. Different actions are being taken by these organisations in an effort to make this happen.

The charities are trying to educate people on alternatives to wasting food, and redistribute the groceries to children, seniors, or those in need. Volunteers from these organisations are also out notifying restaurants and supermarkets of different things that can be done with their surplus items, whether it is bread, milk, or tinned meat, and the aim is to reduce waste.

Demand for help

The need for free or affordable food is great. There are currently around 13 million individuals living in poverty, and with stagnant incomes and reduction in benefits, the number may either stay flat or even increase over the next year. Poverty is occurring across the UK, and households of all educational levels and backgrounds are struggling.

Professionals who have not had a raise in their income, or who are not paid a living wage are turning to free food banks. With the population aging, more older people are struggling and need help as well. Many other working families are threatened with increasing prices of basically everything, from rent to fuel bills. The demand for charity aid and affordable groceries or meals just continues to increase.

Vulnerable people are also being hit hard by reduction in benefits and welfare payments. The disabled, lone parents, and even women there are domestic violence survivors are being affected by food poverty. Sadly, millions of children struggle with where their next meal is going to come from, especially those do not get a meal or snack at school.

The escalating price of food, both perishable and canned items, are causing problems for the low income in all towns and cities. Charities and even now government authorities are trying to encourage families to donate and give back rather than waste.

There are countless foodbanks, soup kitchens, and churches that need the surplus goods to try to feed the poor and hungry. With the demand increasing each month, more needs to be done. A simple step would be to cut down on waste, and to instead donate the goods to a charity. The tonnes of food going to waste can make a major difference in the plight of the less fortunate, and people just need to contact a local council or Trussell Trust centre to learn what they can do to give back to their community.