Businesses and not-for-profits will benefit from new government funding of £1.15 million to tackle food waste in the UK
Grants will be used to help businesses and not-for-profits in England create new ways to tackle food waste by educating the public on how to store fresh food and transform food waste into edible products.
The funding is part of the government’s scheme to reduce food waste in the UK by 20% by 2025.
Currently, a staggering 4.5 million tonnes of food is wasted every year.
Environment Minister Rebecca Pow said:
“The UK is a proud world leader in tackling food waste, owing in part to the innovation and creativity of many organisations across the UK – from educating the public on food waste in our homes, to making our supply chains greener.
“I look forward to supporting UK organisations who are taking up the mantle to tackle food waste and to create a better world for ourselves, as well as generations to come. It makes sense in every way – it cuts collection costs, saves the customer money and importantly reduces emissions which benefits the environment.”
Food Waste Action Week
The government’s Food Waste Champion, Ben Elliot, has also announced the launch of the first-ever ‘Food Waste Action Week’ which will start on Monday 11th May.
Ben said: “The country’s first ever Food Waste Action Week will be taking place from Monday 11th May and I encourage and implore everyone to get stuck in, joining together and taking the fight to food waste. More details will be provided shortly on what we must all do to reduce food waste at home and at work.”
The Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP)
The Citizen Food Waste Prevention and Value From Food Waste grants will be managed by sustainability not-for-profit WRAP, which works closely with governments, businesses and citizens to reduce food waste.
Peter Maddox, Director of WRAP, said:
“WRAP is pleased to be managing the Resource Action Fund on behalf of Defra.
“We are looking forward to receiving applications from innovative and imaginative programmes and projects that will have a real impact in reducing the level of food waste in our homes and making sure we get more value from food waste in supply chains – priorities for both WRAP and Defra.”
