VIVID team up with council and UKHarvest on initiative to get surplus produce where it’s needed

Portsmouth’s VIVID Homes have joined forces with Hampshire County Council and Chichester charity UKHarvest as part of a new food rescue partnership.

Together they’re aiming to reduce food waste by distributing surplus produce to people who need it most across Hampshire – starting with Havant, Waterlooville, Hayling Island and Petersfield, but with plans to extend coverage to the whole county.

VIVID has chipped in £8,000 for the scheme, alongside a grant of £63,500 from the council through the UK government’s Household Support Fund.

That funding will help UKHarvest collect surplus food from farms, retail distribution centres, food suppliers and events, and deliver it to local food banks, community pantries and homelessness charities.

Derek Streek, Head of Communities, Standards and Partnerships at VIVID, said: “We’re delighted to be able to support UKHarvest and the work they do with local communities.

“We’ll be able to play a part in helping customers gain access to fresh fruit and vegetables and invaluable advice on staying healthy.”

The scheme builds upon the success of a similar initiative in West Sussex, where UKHarvest are based.

Yvonne Thomson, CEO of UKHarvest, added: “This new partnership provides an invaluable opportunity to elevate our impact across Hampshire, extending our reach to the most vulnerable communities in the south of England.

“Through this collaboration, we’ll significantly increase our operation across the county, making a real difference to local families and individuals most in need.”

• To find out more and donate your surplus food to UKHarvest, visit ukharvest.org.uk/get-involved/donate-food
• vividhomes.co.uk

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