FareShare 1st – a fresh way of managing surplus food

FareShare collects quality surplus food from wholesalers, retailers and caterers, and deliver it to projects that are registered with FareShare and meet acceptable standards.

We accept all kinds of food, which are fresh, ambient and frozen. FareShare works with all companies (view list of companies we work with) and will consider all products based on the following criteria:

• It is of good quality and checked mould, bruising, etc
• Within its use-by-date (although it may be past its sell-by date)
• Covered or package appropriately
• Capable of contributing to a significant number of meals
• Complies with all the Food Safety legislation including Temperature Control Regulations 1995.

What type of food does FareShare not accept?

• Shellfish
• Food that has been held hot
• Open buffet surplus
• Food past the marked used-by date
• Food more than 24hrs past the "best before" date.

Download food donation checklist (pdf - 53k)

What does FareShare offer your organisation?

• The opportunity to minimise food waste
• The chance to reduce disposal costs
• Brand protection
• Peace of mind that all of our staff and volunteers are trained in food hygiene
• An agreed system for contact and collection to suit your organisation
• Responsible management of the distribution process.
• Regular feedback on your donations and their impact for your corporate social responsibility and business reporting
• The chance to have greater involvement in your local community.

The FareShare guarantee: Brand protection

FareShare takes responsibility for the food once it is collected and ensures that it is correctly used. Every organisation that receives food has to satisfy FareShare that it has suitable premises and staff and can fully comply with food hygiene legislation. No food is resold. If the food is not consumed before its best-before date, all identifying labelling is removed and the food is destroyed. FareShare audits projects on a regular basis to ensure that all of the above is happening.

FareShare is independently audited and advised by The Food Hygiene Bureau and Checkmate International (CMi). All FareShare staff are trained in food hygiene.

Contact FareShare or more information

If you want to know more or have food you would like to donate please contact your local project or contact the FareShare National Team on 020 7394 2468 or via email at enquiries@fareshare.org.uk.