FareShare Sussex & Surrey Launches Earth Raise Campaign to Combat Food Waste and Hunger

FareShare Sussex & Surrey has initiated the Earth Raise fundraising campaign to address the intertwined issues of food waste and food poverty across the UK. The appeal, which began on World Earth Day, 22 April 2026, aims to raise funds that will enable the charity to expand its efforts in rescuing surplus food while reducing carbon emissions.

The campaign, titled ‘Because wasting food costs the earth’, draws attention to the critical state of the UK’s food system. FareShare Sussex & Surrey reports that 4.6 million tonnes of edible food, equivalent to 10 billion meals, are discarded annually, even as 14.1 million people experience food poverty. Additionally, the UK Health Alliance on Climate Change highlights that the food system contributes to one-third of the nation’s greenhouse gas emissions, exacerbating climate change.

Dan Slatter, CEO of FareShare Sussex & Surrey, emphasised the urgency of the situation: “Enough is enough. Every year, millions of tonnes of edible food go to waste while people struggle to afford food. Climate breakdown and hunger are deeply connected.” He added, “The cost of living is rising again, emissions are increasing, and more people are going hungry. This appeal will help us rescue more surplus food, cut emissions and support people in need at the same time.”

Earth Raise is part of The Big Give initiative and runs from 22 to 29 April 2026. During this period, all public donations will be matched pound for pound, effectively doubling the impact of contributions.

Funds raised will support FareShare Sussex & Surrey in rescuing additional surplus food, increasing redistribution efforts, and diverting more inedible waste to community composting schemes, fostering a circular food economy. The campaign will also facilitate investment in low-carbon operations, including the expansion of the charity’s electric vehicle fleet.

Nathan Catt, Head of Operations, explained the environmental benefits of the charity’s work: “Food waste is one of the most carbon-intensive parts of our national food system, releasing methane that is far more harmful than carbon dioxide. By rescuing surplus food and getting it to people instead of landfill, we prevent emissions before they happen and reduce the need for more food production.”

He further stated, “For every tonne of carbon we emit, we prevent eight more, making our work strongly net-positive for the climate. Put simply, this is climate action with immediate human benefit: getting food to where it was always meant to go – people, not landfill.”

Since its establishment in 2002, FareShare Sussex & Surrey has collaborated with farmers, manufacturers, and retailers to collect high-quality surplus food and redistribute it to frontline charities and community groups. Currently, the organisation supports 248 community partners, providing food to over 28,500 individuals weekly.

Dan Slatter reiterated the importance of the campaign: “Wasting food costs the earth, but together we can change that. With climate pressures and household budgets both under strain, the need for action has never been greater. Every donation helps turn surplus into meals, reduce emissions and build stronger communities.”

Siân Berry, Green Party MP for Brighton Pavilion, endorsed the campaign, stating, “In the current climate emergency, wasting food makes no sense. Reducing the amount of food sent to landfill and getting it to people in need is essential for both the planet and our communities in Brighton.” She encouraged donations during the Earth Raise appeal, describing FareShare Sussex & Surrey’s work as “climate action in practice.”

Donations to FareShare Sussex & Surrey’s Earth Raise appeal can be made from 22 to 29 April via the following link: https://donate.biggive.org/campaign/a05WS00000BsJddYAF. Additional information is available at www.faresharesussexandsurrey.org.uk.