The funding – provided by PepsiCo’s philanthropic arm, the PepsiCo Foundation – will be used to support two existing FareShare programmes, Surplus with Purpose and the Leicestershire employability programme.
Surplus with Purpose aims to make it easier and more cost effective for farmers and producers across the UK to divert fresh vegetables to FareShare’s network of charities and community organisations.
The Leicestershire employability programme offers tailored workshops, job application support and one-to-one mentoring to help prepare members of the local community for the world of work. More than 600 people are estimated to be supported by the programme.
Getting a leg up
PepsiCo UK & Ireland senior vice president and general manager Jason Richards said: “This increased support will make an even bigger difference, giving jobseekers the leg up they need to succeed, while also transforming surplus food into meals for charities and community groups across the UK.
“We’re encouraging growers in our network to sign up to the scheme as an extension of our work towards a more sustainable food system.”
Support of the two initiatives marks an expansion of PepsiCo’s seven-year partnership with FareShare, which includes volunteering support alongside donations.
Since December 2017, the company has provided more than 2,200 tonnes of surplus and donated products to charities across the UK, which are then turned into meals for people in need. In the last six months, PepsiCo employees have clocked 270 hours of volunteering at FareShare distribution centres.
To the people in need
Kirsty ford, head of fundraising at FareShare, added: “We are so grateful to everyone at PepsiCo and the PepsiCo Foundation for choosing to fund these two programmes. While so much edible food goes to waste on our farms every year, FareShare’s Surplus with Purpose scheme ensures farmers can get more of this good-to-eat nutritious fresh produce to people, rather than letting it go to waste.
“This partnership will also make an important contribution to our employability programme, helping hundreds of people seek long-term employment in the food industry. These programmes support FareShare’s mission get more good-to-eat surplus food to people in need, helping to strengthen communities across the UK.”
Meanwhile, in January, discount retailer Aldi donated more than 100 fridges to charities and foodbanks to help improve food security for the less privileged.
