UK launches national programme to triple surplus food redistribution

The news

Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced the creation of a National Programme to Redistribute Surplus Food on 15 May 2026. The programme commits a number of UK food charities and social enterprises to triple the amount of surplus food available for redistribution. It was co-authored by IGD and the newly-merged FareShare and The Felix Project, and developed by sector leaders across the food industry, charities and social enterprises alongside the UK Government. WRAP CEO Catherine David described the move as a vital step forward.

What's at stake

The UK currently wastes more food than any other European country, while 10% of the population faces food insecurity. Food redistribution does not directly address the root causes of poverty, but it strengthens communities, improves health and builds local resilience. The scheme will expand existing work by charities and social enterprises that already collect and deliver surplus food to people and communities across the UK.

The programme forms part of the Government’s broader approach to food systems change. It seeks to increase the volume of edible surplus food reaching those in need rather than going to waste. Supporters argue this will deliver immediate practical support while longer-term measures to tackle poverty are developed.

The case for

Tripling redistribution cuts waste and feeds more people in need. The UK wastes more food than any other European country while 10% of the population faces food insecurity. Expanding redistribution through a national programme will increase the volume of edible surplus food reaching charities and communities, reducing landfill and providing immediate support to households. Comparable efforts already show that coordinated redistribution improves health outcomes and builds local resilience without requiring new production.

The case against

A national scheme risks bureaucracy and may not reach those most in need. Central coordination can add administrative layers that slow delivery and divert resources from front-line organisations. Existing local networks already operate at scale; imposing a single national structure may reduce flexibility and overlook the specific needs of different communities. Without targeted design, the programme could spread resources thinly rather than concentrating support where demand is highest.

Why it matters now

If the programme succeeds, charities and social enterprises will deliver three times the current volume of surplus food to people across the UK within the coming years. If it stalls, redistribution volumes will remain at existing levels and more edible food will continue to be wasted. The next milestone is the operational rollout of the commitments made by participating organisations following the 15 May 2026 announcement.

Further reading

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