Food aid charity under pressure from fuel costs
FareShare South West says fuel costs are putting immense pressure on work helping thousands in need.
**Food aid charity under pressure from fuel costs**
FareShare South West has its distribution hub in Plymouth
Rising fuel prices are adding extra strain to efforts to deliver food to thousands of people in need across Devon and Cornwall, the South West's largest food redistribution charity has said.
FareShare South West said demand for food support has increased by 45% since the Covid-19 pandemic, while the expense of collecting and distributing surplus food has climbed sharply.
The charity, which passes on surplus food to about 70 organisations across the region, said it is trying to cope with rising demand while also absorbing higher running costs.
Leaders also said they were worried about the effect on volunteers and staff, many of whom are spending more on travel to get to their shifts.
FareShare South West is an independent charity that sources surplus food from food producers, farmers, supermarkets and other businesses before it is wasted.
It depends on a combination of government, corporate and independent funding.
Recent rises in wholesale oil prices have helped push up fuel costs, making travel and the transport of goods more expensive for charities, businesses and households.
Ryan Jackson said costs had "increased significantly"
The charity operates from a distribution hub in Plymouth, where around 80 volunteers and four paid staff help sort, organise and load tonnes of surplus food each week.
Much of the food, including fresh fruit, vegetables and dairy products, is sent to charities and community groups.
Hub manager Ryan Jackson said: "With petrol rising by 31% and diesel by 41% in the last six months, our costs have increased significantly and those are costs the charity has had to absorb.
"At the same time, the number of charities requesting support from FareShare South West has grown across the region."
Jamie Henshaw said there "may come a point" when some volunteer cannot afford to come and help
The charity said higher fuel costs could also affect the people it depends on to keep the service going.
Volunteer Jamie Henshaw said: "Everybody's feeling the pinch, but we love what we do.
"Volunteers aren't paid, so this comes out of their own pockets. They're giving their time and goodwill.
"There may come a point when some simply can't afford to come to work."
A crate of apples is ready to be delivered from FareShare's Distribution hub
Jackson said sustained high fuel prices could bring further difficulties for the charity.
"If fuel prices stay high for a long period, it could affect our ability to recruit and retain volunteers," he said.
Despite the extra costs, FareShare South West said it remained committed to meeting rising demand.
The charity said it planned to move to a larger hub in Plymouth later this year and open more food collection points across the region.