A new pilot scheme is working with farmers to buy farmgate surplus and create nutritious meals for local communities in the Midlands.

Following funding by Public Health Birmingham, The Active Wellbeing Society (TAWS) – a UK-based community benefit society – is inviting farmers and produce suppliers to reduce food waste and costs by selling their surplus to TAWS directly.

“We know from our previous schemes with Birmingham Wholesale Market that fresh, wholesale produce can often go to anaerobic digestion or landfill, if unsold,” says, Head of Food at TAWS, Vicky Hemming.

“We’ve worked directly with traders to save unsold produce and create fresh, healthy meals for people in need. This helps to reduce food waste and support local communities experiencing food insecurity.”

The aim of the project is to work with farmers across the Midlands, to create sustainable partnerships by purchasing surplus produce, fruit and vegetables that might otherwise go to waste due to cosmetic imperfections, size variations, or market oversupply.

“Not only will these partnerships mean less waste but it will also help to reduce costs for farmers,” says Food Distribution Manager at TAWS, Stephanie Martin-Frouillou.

“We want to build networks that support local agriculture and increase access to fresh produce in our communities. It’s a win-win for everyone involved.”

If you’d like to know more about the farmgate surplus pilot, and how to get involved, please contact Stephanie Martin-Frouillou, Food Distribution Manager at The Active Wellbeing Society, at: stephanie.martin-frouillou@theaws.org

For more information, go to theaws.co.uk/food-surplus