This article is from the source 'guardian' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.guardian.co.uk/money/2013/jun/03/asda-food-bank-pledge-surplus-stock

The article has changed 3 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Asda unveils food bank pledge for surplus stock Asda unveils food bank pledge for surplus stock
(4 months later)
Asda has unveiled a multi-million pound pledge to redistribute all surplus stock to one of the UK's biggest food banks.Asda has unveiled a multi-million pound pledge to redistribute all surplus stock to one of the UK's biggest food banks.
In the latest move by a major retailer to cut food waste, Asda said that instead of sending stock back to manufacturers, as is current practice, it would send it direct to FareShare.In the latest move by a major retailer to cut food waste, Asda said that instead of sending stock back to manufacturers, as is current practice, it would send it direct to FareShare.
The retailer said the initiative would increase the quantity of food sent annually to FareShare by 41% and provide an extra 3.75m meals a year to homeless and vulnerable people.The retailer said the initiative would increase the quantity of food sent annually to FareShare by 41% and provide an extra 3.75m meals a year to homeless and vulnerable people.
Surplus stock occurs when a supplier or manufacturer sends a retailer too much of an ordered product. As the product isn't owned by the retailer it cannot sell it so has to send it back. By the time it gets back to the supplier it is often out of date and destined for landfill.Surplus stock occurs when a supplier or manufacturer sends a retailer too much of an ordered product. As the product isn't owned by the retailer it cannot sell it so has to send it back. By the time it gets back to the supplier it is often out of date and destined for landfill.
FareShare has struggled to provide products such as yogurt and fruit juice to the 910 charities it currently supports in the UK. The bulk of food donated and used tends to be dried goods such as pasta and biscuits etc, rather than fresh and chilled foods.FareShare has struggled to provide products such as yogurt and fruit juice to the 910 charities it currently supports in the UK. The bulk of food donated and used tends to be dried goods such as pasta and biscuits etc, rather than fresh and chilled foods.
The new model – a supermarket first – is expected to save local charities £4.5m, freeing up much-needed money for investment in other essential services. All Asda's suppliers will automatically become part of the scheme.The new model – a supermarket first – is expected to save local charities £4.5m, freeing up much-needed money for investment in other essential services. All Asda's suppliers will automatically become part of the scheme.
In the UK there are an estimated 5.8 million people living in "deep poverty", meaning they struggle to afford everyday essentials such as food.In the UK there are an estimated 5.8 million people living in "deep poverty", meaning they struggle to afford everyday essentials such as food.
In the past year alone FareShare has seen a 26% increase in the number of charities turning to them for food donations.In the past year alone FareShare has seen a 26% increase in the number of charities turning to them for food donations.
Barry Williams, chief merchandising officer for food at Asda, said: "Food poverty is a very real problem and is getting worse, not better.Barry Williams, chief merchandising officer for food at Asda, said: "Food poverty is a very real problem and is getting worse, not better.
"Through our new supply chain model and work with FareShare, I am proud that we are able to help feed millions of families around the UK who would otherwise go to bed hungry.""Through our new supply chain model and work with FareShare, I am proud that we are able to help feed millions of families around the UK who would otherwise go to bed hungry."
Recently, rival supermarket Tesco pledged to reduce the amount of food wasted by its customers and elsewhere in its international supply chain. It will roll out a scheme redirecting surplus food to FareShare from its online operation. Sainsbury's also works closely with FareShare, donating surplus non-perishable foods and encouraging donations from customers.Recently, rival supermarket Tesco pledged to reduce the amount of food wasted by its customers and elsewhere in its international supply chain. It will roll out a scheme redirecting surplus food to FareShare from its online operation. Sainsbury's also works closely with FareShare, donating surplus non-perishable foods and encouraging donations from customers.
Green campaigners have criticised the UK's major supermarkets, which generate an estimated 300,000 tonnes of food waste a year, for failing to do more to tackle the problem.Green campaigners have criticised the UK's major supermarkets, which generate an estimated 300,000 tonnes of food waste a year, for failing to do more to tackle the problem.
Lord de Mauley, minister for resource management and environmental science, said: "We are really pleased that Asda is involved in this project with FareShare, which helps people in need while also reducing food waste.Lord de Mauley, minister for resource management and environmental science, said: "We are really pleased that Asda is involved in this project with FareShare, which helps people in need while also reducing food waste.
"The industry has done great work to reduce waste in the supply chain, and it's really positive that Asda are also helping charities save money, which they can put to even better use.""The industry has done great work to reduce waste in the supply chain, and it's really positive that Asda are also helping charities save money, which they can put to even better use."
Our editors' picks for the day's top news and commentary delivered to your inbox each morning.