The Felix Project is delighted to have been awarded funding from Defra, after a successful bid to the Tackling Food Surplus at the Farm Gate fund.
The fund was secured after years of campaigning by The Felix Project and FareShare UK. Announced in December 2024, the scheme aimed to help charities access thousands more tonnes of edible surplus food from farms across England, and redistribute it to people in need.
The Felix Project was part of the bid by Fareshare, who have secured a total of £9.3 million. The money will be shared out amongst 17 FareShare network partners and is a one-off, time-limited fund restricted to getting surplus food from farm gate.
The grant will enable the charity to invest in infrastructure, logistics and transport, and grower partnerships. It is not only addressing immediate need but building long-term capacity for a more sustainable food system.
Charlotte Hill, CEO of The Felix Project and Kris Gibbon-Walsh, CEO of FareShare, said:
“After years of campaigning by FareShare and The Felix Project, we are thrilled to have been appointed as partner to deliver the Government’s Tackling Food Surplus at the Farm Gate scheme.
"This scheme will enable us to rescue more surplus from farms across England. It will ensure the charities we support, including after-school clubs, homelessness shelters, and community groups, can access thousands of tonnes of fresh produce and transform it into meals and vital support to those who need it most.
This is a landmark moment for FareShare and The Felix Project, and a testament to what’s possible when people come together to tackle food waste and strengthen communities.
With demand for food at an all-time high, this scheme will significantly increase the amount of fresh, nutritious produce whilst decreasing food waste on our farms. We look forward to working with government, businesses and frontline charities to deliver this programme and support people in need across the UK.”
