Fresh produce supplier Richard Hochfeld (RH) has provided FareShare with the equivalent of 75,000 meals, since partnering with us in 2015, diverting over 30 tonnes of surplus fruit to vulnerable people.
Produce from the Kent-based fruit and grape specialist, and its associated packers Cottage Farms and Adrian Scripps Ltd, has been redistributed by FareShare to 465 frontline charities and community groups throughout the pandemic, with RH providing over 13 tonnes (equivalent of 30,000 meals) of surplus Grade 1 fruit since January 2020.
Fruit and vegetables are an essential element of the food provided by the charities FareShare supports. While we’re urged to eat our five a day, the cost of fruit and vegetables can be unaffordable for those on the lowest incomes, and for many, are seen as a luxury. That’s why fresh fruit and veg is incredibly valuable to our charities, particularly those supporting children and families.
Richard Brewer, who manages RHL’s relationship with FareShare and helps to arrange year round weekly offers of surplus fruit to FareShare, said: “We’re totally committed to this relationship and we’d love to see more of our counterparts across the industry get involved. I am sure some companies see time and effort being a barrier to supply, but with only a little bit of effort on our part and at no significant cost, we can contribute these kind of volumes.”
Joanna Dyson, Head of Food at FareShare, said: “We are extremely grateful to Richard and the team at Richard Hochfeld for the fantastic support they have given us. Sourcing fresh, good to eat, quality fruit is crucial for the charities and people FareShare supply. Around two thirds of the food we redistribute is accessed by families and children and so handheld fruit is always greatly appreciated.
“Our charity members really value being able to provide nutritious snacks to their service users, stressing the importance of enabling vulnerable people to experience foods they may not often have access too, such as fruit, which can be expensive for a household on limited funds and helping them maintain a healthy diet.”
