Government Unveils Ambitious Plan To Treble Food Redistribution

The UK government has announced plans to treble the amount of surplus food redistributed across the country as part of a wider strategy to tackle food waste and support families struggling with rising living costs.

The move is expected to significantly increase the volume of edible food redirected away from waste streams and into charities, community organisations and food redistribution networks.

The announcement comes as fresh concern grows over food insecurity across the UK, alongside continued pressure on businesses to reduce waste and improve sustainability throughout the supply chain.

Industry-wide redistribution efforts have already been growing steadily in recent years. According to figures published by WRAP, around 210,000 tonnes of surplus food were redistributed in the UK during 2024 — equivalent to approximately 500 million meals with an estimated value of £870 million.

WRAP said redistributed surplus food volumes increased by 27 per cent between 2022 and 2024, driven partly by improved storage and handling capacity for chilled, frozen and ambient products.

The government’s latest proposal is expected to build further on this momentum by strengthening redistribution infrastructure and increasing the amount of edible food diverted away from disposal.

The fresh produce sector already plays a significant role in redistribution initiatives through partnerships with food charities and surplus networks, helping ensure fruit and vegetables unsuitable for retail sale still reach consumers in need.

The plans also align with broader sustainability goals aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions linked to food waste while improving access to nutritious food.

Further details on how the redistribution targets will be implemented are expected to emerge in the coming months.