Last year we redistributed 2,000 tonnes of good-to-eat surplus food to people who really need it. We could not do that without the support of our food partners. These are the companies which supply us with the food we redistribute to our community food members (250 charities and community groups). Today, we’re shining the spotlight on Fuidel.

Here at FareShare Greater Manchester, we rely on manufacturers, retailers and others in the food industry to supply us with their surplus good-to-eat food. Without their food donations, both regular and one-off, we would not be able to serve our 250 community food members.

Giving back

Fruidel is a fresh produce and milk office delivery company, supplying fruit, milk, and snacks to workplaces across the UK. It has donated a variety of surplus items to us including fresh fruits and dairy products. A company spokesperson explained why they chose to send their surplus stock our way,“We saw a consistent surplus of good-quality food going to waste. It felt wrong – and when we found FareShare Greater Manchester, it just made sense to redirect it to people who need it. As a food business, we see the value in every item we source. Wasting it while others go hungry goes against our values. This partnership lets us give back in a meaningful way.”

Christmas donation

Fruidel first began working with us in March 2020 however, in the run up to Christmas last year, they made their biggest donation – a delivery of over 5.5 tonnes of fruit. They said “it was one of our biggest contributions to date. What made it even more special was getting a shoutout on social media from Marcus Rashford. That recognition helped highlight the importance of tackling food poverty and really motivated our team.” In total, over the past 5+ years, Fruidel has donated more than 29 tonnes of fresh fruit and milk to our Manchester warehouse.

Sustainability goals

Our food suppliers often say that by donating their surplus food to us, it helps solve a problem for them. Donating unwanted stock helps those in need, it is also a great way of reducing food waste and protecting the environment. Fruidel says it’s no different, “Sustainability is core to Fruidel. Donating surplus food reduces waste and supports the local community, aligning with our mission to be a responsible and ethical supplier.”

Urging others to do the same

What would Fruidel say to anyone else considering donating surplus good-to-eat food to FareShare Greater Manchester? “If you have edible surplus food, don’t let it go to waste. FareShare Greater Manchester makes it easy, and the impact is immediate and rewarding. We’re proud to support FareShare and encourage other local businesses to join the movement. Every bit helps.”