Theory of change

1. The problem

Every year, over millions of tonnes of good to eat food is wasted across the UK’s food industry, releasing greenhouse gas emissions, despite millions of people facing food insecurity.

2. What we do

FareShare turns this environmental problem of food waste into social good.

By working with the food industry and with the support of our national network of partners, funders and volunteers, we ensure the food goes to the people who
need it most.

We work across the UK with charities and community organisations that help tackle the root causes of poverty and provide wrap around services, from domestic
violence centres and homelessness shelters to hospices, community centres, pantries and after-school clubs.

3. The difference we make

We strengthen communities by distributing good to eat (surplus) food to charities and community organisations.

We enable those organisations to:

  • Increase access to nutritious and affordable food.
  • Reach more people and expand their services.
  • Build their capacity by saving time and money they can reinvest in their services.

As a result, individuals accessing these services experience:

  • A variety of new and healthy foods leading to improved diets
  • Reduced financial strain
  • Reduced social isolation
  • Improved health and wellbeing

FareShare volunteers experience:

  • Increased confidence, skills, physical health and mental wellbeing.
  • Reduced isolation.

We help the environment by:

  • Reducing UK food waste
  • Preventing the waste of CO2e emissions and water embedded in the food

4. Our vision

Maximise the social value of surplus food to better support individuals to improve their physical wellbeing, mental wellbeing, social inclusion and food security.

Reduce the negative environmental impact of surplus food

We aim to achieve these goals by prioritising organisations that:

  • Provide additional support and activities alongside their food services;
  • Serve communities in areas of higher deprivation;
  • Reach beneficiaries who are most vulnerable as defined by local need.