Co-op implements fresh scheme to end food waste

The Co-op Food Share campaign will have a phased roll out during 2018

Co-op has started taking food products off sale earlier to make sure they are still fresh when donated to charities and reduce food waste.

The grocery chain is currently rolling out a new national food redistribution scheme to make sure edible products can be given to community groups while they are within their use-by and best-before dates, in time to be cooked or frozen.

The Co-op Food Share campaign will have a phased roll out during 2018 to support the 1,500 towns, villages and cities in which the retailer has stores. It follows a successful trial at 50 branches with local charities and community groups.

Co-op CEO Steve Murrells said: “It’s unbelievable that over a third of the food produced around the world goes to waste.

“At the Co-op we want to strengthen and support communities and we are committed to tacking food waste and ensuring food gets into the hands of those who need it most.”

The Co-op is a signatory of the Courtauld Commitment 2025, which brings together leading organisations from across the food chain to tackle food and drink waste.

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