Food waste charity protest at the Tory Party Conference
They are demanding action on food poverty
Last updated 3rd Oct 2023
A food waste charity which helps people in the north west are in Manchester today, to protest at the Conservative Party Conference and demand action on food poverty.
Fareshare are among those outside the gathering of Conservative Party members in Manchester City Centre.
They are asking the government to intervene and get surplus food to those in serious need.
They say that while one in five people are in food poverty, 3 million tonnes of food goes to waste on UK farms every year.
To date this year, Fareshare Lancashire and Cumbria have redistributed over 750 tonnes of surplus food to charities in the region, reaching approximately 16,500 people in need.
Demand for food from FareShare Lancashire & Cumbria has skyrocketed recently as a result of the cost of living crisis – more people than ever are turning to charities for support.
The charity tells us the Conservatives need to step in, as their waiting lists are longer than ever and families are going hungry.
Ali Gourley from the charity said:
"So many more people are going to the charity sector for help. We've got 1500 charities on our waiting list across the country. This is despite the fact that there is enormous amounts of surplus food.
"Farmers want to see their food go to feed people.
"Communities across the entire United Kingdom need support at this time of crisis."