- Surplus with Purpose – A programme which makes it easier and more cost effective for farmers and producers across the UK to divert surplus fresh vegetables to FareShare’s network of 8,000 charities and community organisations. These charities help provide vital wraparound services including after school and breakfast clubs and we will be redistributing an equivalent of 550,000 meals* in 2025.
- Leicestershire employability programme – Offering tailored workshops, job application support and one-to-one mentoring, the funding is estimated to help prepare over 600 local people for the world of work
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 alone, PepsiCo employees have clocked 270 hours of volunteering at FareShare distribution centres.
Both programmes align with PepsiCo Positive, PepsiCo’s health and sustainability plan that drives positive action for the planet and people. This includes working closely with more than 290 farmers across the UK on a range of programmes and trials to help scale regenerative farming practices, as part of its Positive Agriculture strategy.
“We’re proud to have partnered with FareShare for over seven years to fight hunger and tackle food waste together. 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.”
JASON RICHARDS, SVP AND GENERAL MANAGER, PEPSICO UK & IRELAND
“We are excited to be working with PepsiCo on this new stage of our partnership, that will help us deliver greater impact to communities across the UK, through the power of surplus food. 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.”