This week some of the NIRN team joined network members for an insightful behind-the-scenes visit to FareShare’s N. Ireland Headquarters. The morning provided an eye-opening look at the vital logistics and dedication driving surplus food redistribution across N. Ireland.
From arrival, the dedication and efficiency of the FareShare team were on full display. The impressive facilities and ambitious expansion plans highlight an operation designed for long-term regional impact.
The experience offered crucial insights that directly connect to grassroots community efforts. The operational knowledge gained from observing FareShare’s workflow will be invaluable to NIRN network members managing Community Fridges, Foodbanks, and Social Supermarkets, putting their local work into a broader, interconnected context.
A Sobering Reality: The Scale of Surplus Food
While FareShare’s ability to divert vast quantities of food from waste is deeply inspiring, the visit also highlighted a stark challenge. The sheer volume of surplus food generated by supermarkets and food suppliers remains shockingly high.
The Power of Redistribution: By the Numbers
The statistics behind FareShare’s operation illustrate the tremendous scope and efficiency of their reach.
FareShare NI is directly tackling food poverty in Northern Ireland by collecting surplus food from industry and redistributing it to charities, community groups and schools that are providing meals to vulnerable and disadvantaged groups, including low income families, senior citizens, people with disabilities, victims of domestic violence, at risk young people and homeless people. The Northern Ireland warehouse has been operating successfully for over fourteen years and last year provided 172 charitable projects located across N. Ireland with 727 tonnes of food, which is equivalent to 1.7million meals which equates to £200m worth of food redistributed.
