FareShare North East awarded £50,000 in core funding from Garfield Weston Foundation

FareShare North East has received £50,000 in unrestricted core funding from the Garfield Weston Foundation, a contribution that will strengthen our vital food redistribution work across the region over the next year.

As the region’s largest food redistribution charity, we work with the food industry to rescue good-to-eat surplus food and deliver it to over 260 charities and community groups – from community cafés and youth clubs to pantries and wellbeing centres. Last year alone, we redistributed 1,630 tonnes of food, the equivalent of 3.89 million meals, while also preventing over 3,310 tonnes of CO₂ from entering the atmosphere.

This generous grant comes at a crucial time. The volume and type of surplus food available in the UK is changing, with more food arriving in bulk formats and fresh produce. Supporting our operational capacity ensures we can continue innovating, from refill stations for pantries to cooking workshops and new community partnerships, so that more groups can make the most of this nutritious food.

Why core costs matter

Unrestricted funding is particularly powerful for a charity like ours. It allows us to invest in the backbone of our operation: our warehouses, vehicles, volunteer support, technology, and the teams who keep everything running smoothly.

Our CEO, Jake Hanmore, said:

“Core funding is what keeps the wheels turning – quite literally. It allows us to plan, stay resilient, and adapt as the surplus food landscape evolves. This support from the Garfield Weston Foundation means we can continue redistributing high-quality surplus food across the North East while reducing waste and protecting the planet. We’re incredibly grateful for their commitment to our mission.”

The grant will directly strengthen our daily operations from our Westerhope and Middlesbrough depots, helping us reach communities from Berwick to Barnard Castle and down to Loftus. As we look toward expanding our impact in the Tees Valley in 2026, this funding gives us the stability needed to grow responsibly and sustainably.

We extend our sincere thanks to the Garfield Weston Foundation for recognising the importance of long-term, practical, environmental solutions to food waste. Their support helps ensure more good food is put to good use in protecting resources, reducing emissions and strengthening communities across the North East.