This funding was initially promised by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak in February 2024 but was confirmed on December 22, 2024, following delays related to the general election.

The initiative is expected to deliver surplus food to those in need, potentially saving up to 60 million meals.

Originally proposed by Michael Gove in 2018 and reiterated by Rishi Sunak in 2024, this initiative has faced delays despite extensive advocacy from charities.

The Trussell Trust reported a staggering 37% increase in demand for food parcels from 2021/22 to 2022/23, with an additional 4% increase the following year.

Approximately 330,000 tonnes of edible food is wasted or repurposed for animal feed annually in the UK, with charities often struggling with logistics to deliver food to those in need.

The fund aims to help organizations acquire new equipment, such as hoppers and balers, as well as train staff and implement new technologies for effective food distribution.

The UK government has announced a £15 million fund set to launch in 2025, aimed at assisting charities, food banks, and homeless shelters in utilizing surplus farm food.

Charities such as the Felix Project and FareShare have welcomed this funding as a significant step toward reducing food waste and addressing hunger in the UK.

The government scheme will allow food distribution charities to apply for grants to purchase necessary equipment, technology, and staff training for food collection and processing.

Further details regarding the fund and eligibility criteria will be released in early 2025, alongside the government's strategy to halve food waste by 2030.

Charlotte Hill, CEO of the Felix Project, highlighted the scandal of food waste amid rising food insecurity, noting that 1 in 8 working families in London rely on food banks weekly.

Leaders of The Felix Project and FareShare expressed their excitement about the fund's announcement, noting its potential for significant impact during the British growing season.