Asked by: Gordon McKee (Labour - Glasgow South)
Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps the Department is taking with food retailers and charities to improve the use of real-time data to increase the redistribution of edible surplus food.
Answered by Mary Creagh
In May, the Prime Minister committed to a national programme to redistribute surplus food to support those in need. Defra is working with food retailers, redistribution organisations, and charities to increase the redistribution of edible surplus food and reduce waste. In 2024, redistribution organisations received around 210,000 tonnes of surplus food, equivalent to 500 million meals worth approximately £870 million. We know that improving the use of real-time data and strengthening links between businesses and redistribution networks means that surplus food can be identified and redirected more quickly, ensuring more edible food reaches those who need it rather than going to waste. We are looking at opportunities for the sector to maximise the use of data.
Asked by: Gordon McKee (Labour - Glasgow South)
Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment her Department has made of barriers for grocery retailers seeking to open full-service stores in low-income urban communities with limited access to fresh food; and whether her Department plans to convene retailers and local authorities to help reduce those barriers.
Answered by Stephen Morgan - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
The Government recognises the important role that grocery retailers play in providing communities with access to affordable and nutritious food. Decisions on store locations are primarily commercial matters for retailers. The Department engages regularly with retailers on issues affecting the grocery sector through established forums, including the Defra Retailer Forum. We will continue to work with retailers, local authorities and other stakeholders to achieve the Good Food Cycle outcome on access for all to safe, affordable, healthy food.