Llanelli AM in call to increase surplus food donated by supermarkets

Local Labour AM Keith Davies has asked the First Minister what further actions can be taken in Wales to increase the amount of surplus food supermarkets donate to food banks. Estimates put the amount of surplus food waste by supermarkets each year at 300,000 tonnes.

This is an issue that has been raised with the AM by local food banks in the Llanelli constituency. Currently the Food Standards Agency (FSA) support the donation of surplus food waste by supermarkets based on two key considerations – that it is fit for human consumption and free from contamination.

With the Trussell Trust announcing that food bank numbers have tripled in the past year, and the Head of Oxfam Cymru saying that claimants could have to wait up to five weeks for benefits due to welfare being paid monthly and backdated, sustainable food behaviours are increasingly imperative. One local Llanelli food bank has told the AM that the job centre is signposting welfare claimants to them.

Speaking after Plenary, Mr Davies said:

“I was very pleased to hear from the First Minister that the Welsh Governments WRAP (Waste and Resources Action Plan) programme is currently working at the core of this issue to understand the barriers to food redistribution, and is carrying out a trial on the extent of retail food surpluses. I particularly welcome that it will publish guidance later this year so there is further clarity around what we can achieve.”

“All three food banks in my Llanelli constituency have reported a rise in the numbers reliant on them, particularly in light of welfare changes. I’m pleased to support a food bank collection again this year where I will be collecting donated items for Christmas food hampers and everyday food parcels.”

“A local food bank has asked me to explore how we can further maximise food surplus donation, especially from supermarket waste. Wales has a proud record of leading the way, especially in waste policy, and I welcome that we are continuing to do so.”

Replying to the question, the First Minister said:

“We fund WRAP to carry out a food waste programme. In turn, WRAP has set up a food redistribution industry working group that has been tasked with developing a better understanding of the barriers to surplus food redistribution, and, of course, to finding solutions to overcome those barriers.”

“It is working alongside FareShare, FoodCycle and retailers to undertake a trial to identify the extent of food surpluses arising at retail stores, its suitability for redistribution, and processes to enable surpluses to be redistributed to local communities where needed.”

“Later this year, that group will publish a set of guiding principles for surplus food redistribution, along with implementation guidance.”