The Cyrenians Fareshare To Open New Food Distribution Service In Middlesbrough And Tees Valley

The Cyrenians FareShare is to work with Middlesbrough Council to expand its fight against poverty in the North East by launching its services in Middlesbrough and Tees Valley.

A recent study proved that there are over 70,000 children living in food poverty in the North East.

From December, a number of Tees Valley charities and community groups will become members of The Cyrenians FareShare, which will receive food which they will then be able to feed to the men, women and children they support.

Supplies will be delivered from The Cyrenians FareShare distribution service on Tyneside to a collection facility, known as a hub, in Middlesbrough, from which charities can then collect them.

Local manufacturers, retailers and suppliers are also invited to make contact. They will be able to donate surplus food to ‘The Hub’ therefore helping join the fight against food poverty in the North East.

Councillor Charlie Rooney, Middlesbrough Council’s Executive Member for Regeneration said:

“We are very pleased to be part of this important scheme.

“It is a simple one but has so many benefits and will make a big difference to people in our communities who are vulnerable and in need.

“I would very much like to encourage charity co-ordinators, food manufacturers and suppliers in the area to get in touch with FareShare and help make a real difference to people this winter.”

Michael Shields, General Manager of The Cyrenians FareShare explained:

“At The Cyrenians FareShare North East we stop food from heading to landfill – perfectly good, safe and nutritious food - and we redirect it to people who need it.

“We have stringent quality checks to make sure that all the food we provide is within its expiry date and is perfectly good, safe and nutritious.”

In the UK, every year, around 3 million tonnes of food is wasted by the food industry. Most is from the manufacturing sector (2.6 million tonnes), 362,000 tonnes is thrown away by the retail sector and 4,000 tonnes is wasted during distribution.

The Cyrenians FareShare North East receive food donations from the food industry – manufacturers, retailers and suppliers – and deal with community projects that feed and distribute food to people in need.

Michael Shields continued:

“It’s really easy to get involved. First we need a written application from the charity or community group – as we can only deal with organisations.

“Once the application has been approved, a service start date is agreed. We make up a food order from the range of food we have available, a delivery note is created and the following day the order is dispatched to The Hub and from here it can be collected.

“Every delivery is thoroughly documented. We have very high standard as food traceability is essential.”