Set up in 2001, Fareshare Dundee is one of 12 projects working in partnership with the national food charity FareShare to reduce food poverty in the UK.

Every day, homeless and vulnerable individuals receive nutritiously balanced meals, thanks to FareShare Dundee. The project collects/receives surplus quality food, including fresh fruit, vegetables, meat and dairy products from suppliers and retailers, such as Bartletts, Baxters, C J Lang, Greggs, Kettle Produce, and Nestle. The food, which would otherwise end up in landfill, is ‘fit for purpose’ but surplus due to packaging errors, over production or proximity to shelf life. FareShare redistributes these supplies, free of charge, to community organisations providing residential and day services for disadvantaged groups of people in Dundee, Perth & Kinross and Angus.

The project also offers valuablr training and volunteering opportunities to many of our service users as well as others in the community.   

    

Mike, manager of Dudhope Villa and Sister Properties, says how the food donations have made a difference to his project. “We provide supported accommodation for 60-70 vulnerable adults over the age of 18. We’ve been receiving provisions from FareShare for the past 2-3 years, probably saving £2-3,000 per annum. We use the provisions to improve service delivery. For example, provide fresh meat and vegetables along with a variety of soup and sweet dishes, hold barbeques, birthday parties and seasonal meals. Without this money our service users wouldn’t have such an enhanced standard of living and certainly wouldn’t have the quality of diet achieved and enjoyed through an imaginative use of ingredients. Wholly we can provide an even and staple diet for those who otherwise may not receive such nutritional meals.”

Michael a long-term volunteer says, ‘‘FareShare’s a big part of my life. I’m there nearly every day and really enjoy it – you’re always kept busy. A few years ago, I was a bit of a toe-rag, but I’m completely different now. When we deliver food to homeless hostels, I feel like I’m helping other people that are in the same situation as I used to be”.

                                

        

55 Community Projects throughout Dundee, Perth and Kinross and Angus benefits from surplus quality food from local and national suppliers that we re-distribute

2, 193 homeless and vulnerable individuals on a weekly basis across Tayside receive nutritiously balanced meals thanks to FareShare

191 tonnes of food prevented from going to landfill in 2008

FareShare contributed to 454, 771 meals in 2008 (based on Food Standard Agency measurements)

FareShare helped to reduce CO2 emissions by 860 tonnes in 2008 (based on Government measurement)

694 children in 17 After-School Clubs receive healthy snacks thanks to Dundee FareShare.

25 volunteers have access to ongoing training and their awareness of substance misuse is being raised

7352 of volunteer hours was provided in 2008