Southern England Farms Cornwall surplus produce to FareShare

Southern England Farms (SEF), based in Hayle, West Cornwall, began donating surplus vegetables to FareShare Charity's 'Surplus with Purpose' scheme in 2019. 

Co-owner of the farm, Jane Richards, along with 400 plus pickers, works with the charity to ensure any excess vegetables never go to waste.

SEF, made up of over 6,500 acres, are a key supplier to retailers in the UK. The farms provide produce to a number of supermarkets, including courgettes, cauliflower, broccoli, spring greens, sweetheart and savoy cabbage. 

Jane said it is important for other food producers to join the FareShare scheme to help those who 'really need it'. 

“No farmer ever wants to see their produce go to waste," she said.

"But sometimes circumstances mean there is a surplus that will often go into the waste trailer or simply become compost.

“The scheme with FareShare is a brilliant way of ensuring excess produce is redistributed to those who really need it. It is so very rewarding when we find out how many meals our surplus veg has gone on to make.

“It is great that NFU Mutual has embraced the scheme so whole heartedly and supports their customers who wish to participate with ‘Surplus with Purpose’ too.”

The NFU Mutual Charitable Trust has supported FareShare since 2021 and has donated £250,000 to the charity. 

Ian Maddever, senior agent for NFU Mutual Cornwall East Central & South East, said: “We applaud Jane and all the team at Southern England Farms for their outstanding efforts in supporting the work FareShare does to alleviate food poverty in our communities. Currently, over 13 million people in the UK are facing food insecurity.

“NFU Mutual believes no one should go hungry and is committed to take action where possible. There are many growers and farmers often in a similar position to Jane and who want to see their own surplus produce feed those in need.”

FareShare is the UK’s largest food redistribution charity and in 2022-2023 redistributed 54,000 tonnes of food, enough to make 128 million meals. That’s the equivalent of four meals every second.

“Receiving a regular supply of fresh fruit and veg is vitally important to the charities and community groups we support," added Pooja Shah, commercial manager at FareShare. 

"By providing FareShare their surplus food, Southern England Farms has found a smart solution to manage their food waste that provides enormous benefits to those who are most vulnerable.”