The region’s largest food charity has released brand new figures highlighting the hunger problem in East Anglia.

East Anglian Daily Times: FareShare opened a new branch in Ipswich earlier this year. Left to right, Former Mayor Sarah Barber and Anthony Kitchen Picture: GREGG BROWNFareShare opened a new branch in Ipswich earlier this year. Left to right, Former Mayor Sarah Barber and Anthony Kitchen Picture: GREGG BROWN

FareShare East Anglia published the numbers in recognition of World Hunger Day, which is taking place today.

The figures show a worrying trend in the demand for food donations in the region, with increases across all operational areas, including a rise in the number of people receiving surplus food which has been saved from going to waste.

A huge 3,258 people in need are fed by the charity every week, which sources its food from 500 companies across the supply chain – from major retailers like Tesco and Asda, to manufacturers such as Kellogg’s and Nestlé.

The charity redistributes food that has become surplus, often long before it reaches a supermarket shelf, because of forecasting errors, seasonal changes or damaged packaging.

East Anglian Daily Times: Food charity Fareshare launching in Ipswich. Left to right, Michael Barrett (Development Manager) and Khaled Shahbo (Enterprise MD) Picture: GREGG BROWNFood charity Fareshare launching in Ipswich. Left to right, Michael Barrett (Development Manager) and Khaled Shahbo (Enterprise MD) Picture: GREGG BROWN

FareShare East Anglia saved 55.16 tonnes of food from waste in 2017/18, and provided enough food for 131,340 meals. It supported 39 charities and community groups, and the food it supplied enabled the charity sector to make £308,100 in savings.

FareShare Manager Michael Barrett said: “Food poverty can happen to anyone, and it can happen quickly. The charities we provide food to support those who have lost their homes, left the Armed Forces and struggled to adjust, escaped violent relationships, fallen into drug or alcohol misuse or simply can no longer cook for themselves.

“Food is the connector – when it’s joined with the life changing support services provided by our frontline charity members, we know it’s the enabler to help get people back on their feet.”

Without FareShare food, one in five charities say they would probably or definitely have to close, while 58% say they would have to reduce the amount of food they provide, and one in four would have to cut back other services.

East Anglian Daily Times: The charity redistributes surplus food from major retailers and manufacturers Picture: JAMES DARLING/FARESHAREThe charity redistributes surplus food from major retailers and manufacturers Picture: JAMES DARLING/FARESHARE (Image: JAMES DARLING/FARESHARE)

Earlier this year, FareShare East Anglia opened a regional branch in Ipswich to tackle food waste and feed the needy – the charity’s 21st UK regional centre.

Former mayor of Ipswich Sarah Barber was among the guests at the grand opening in January, which was made possible through a £500,000 donation by the Enterprise Rent-A-Car Foundation as part of its ‘Fill Your Tank’ programme.