Veetee shows small brands can make a big difference

1 August 2016

Veetee, one of the largest producers of rice for the UK grocery market, has partnered with FareShare to ensure that surplus stock is used to feed people in need, turning the problem of food waste into a solution that delivers social good.

Even with the best stock management system, it is inevitable that a small proportion of products will be unable to find a commercial outlet. Veetee has established a system to send these products to FareShare, along with other stock that has packaging errors but where the product is nutritious and perfectly good to eat.

FareShare redistributes the food it receives from Veetee to charities and community groups that support people in need, such as homeless shelters, older people’s lunch clubs and domestic violence refuges, so they can provide nutritious meals alongside life-changing services and support.

Veetee’s partnership with FareShare demonstrates that it is not just big food companies that can make a difference. Food organisations of all sizes can make a significant social contribution by distributing their surplus products to charity. While the partnership is still very much in its formative stages, Veetee has already provided enough surplus food to make over 39,000 meals for disadvantaged people who need it most.

Mark Varney, Director of Food at FareShare, says: “We are delighted that Veetee has begun a partnership with FareShare. Veetee is one of a growing number of branded food manufacturers who are taking a pro-active approach to using their surplus food to feed people in need. The good quality, nutritious products they provide to FareShare are greatly appreciated by the charities and community groups we support ,and we look forward to growing our partnership with them.”

Vikas Magoon, CEO at Veetee, says: “Veetee Foods is certainly proud to have partnered up with FareShare. As much as we try to reduce unwanted stock it is inevitable that waste is produced. To have a channel to feed in our surplus stock with the knowledge that we are having a positive impact for those in need, makes the production efficiencies we have gained from this partnership so far, even more worthwhile.

“Partnerships such as the one we have established with FareShare enable companies of all sizes to be socially responsible and give back to the communities we serve. For Veetee, it’s one of our corporate goals to ensure we act responsibly and we hope this can inspire other smaller organisations in the food Industry to do same. We look forward to continuing and developing our partnership with FareShare further in the future.”