The first wave of funding under the COVID-19 Emergency Surplus Food Grant was announced yesterday (10 June), as WRAP confirmed details of 89 not-for-profit organisations across England receiving much needed assistance.
The COVID-19 Emergency Surplus Food Grant was launched in early April in response to the immediate challenges faced by food redistributors as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak. It opened with an initial fund of £3.25 million, and was expanded with an additional £1.6 million from the Government in May; taking the total to nearly £5 million.
The grants were designed by WRAP to direct urgently needed funding to where it would have the biggest impact in organisations of all sizes, based right across England. The first recipients of COVID-19 Emergency Surplus Food Grant funding include small and medium sized not-for-profit organisations, as well as some of the UK’s largest redistribution charities and we’re pleased to announce that one of those charities whom have been awarded this community changing grant is Liverpool Lighthouse. A total of £669,901 has been allocated to eighty small not-forprofits, with a further £402,451 awarded to nine medium and larger charities.
Peter Maddox, Director WRAP, said: “I am absolutely delighted that we have been entrusted by Defra to deliver this much-needed grant scheme, and that we’ve been able to help so many organisations in such a short space of time. The interest we’ve received every day shows that this is a vital support for many charities. I am pleased that we can extend the time for the smaller grassroot charities, which often operate with much fewer resources and staff.”
Environment Minister Rebecca Pow said; “The coronavirus pandemic has highlighted to us all the value of food and, more than ever, we must ensure good food does not go to waste.
This funding will help redistribution organisations across the country continue their crucial work, ensuring all quality, nutritious food reaches those who need it.”
Food Waste Champion Ben Elliot said; “These grants will champion and empower critical organisations as they work tirelessly to divert food across the UK – not only preventing tonnes of food from perishing but also supporting local communities during this unprecedented time.”
All of us here at Liverpool Lighthouse are incredibly thankful and grateful for this funding from WRAP, with this we were able to reconnect with our outlet contacts and purchase a van to distribute fareshare food items from several outlets to Anfield and surrounding areas of the community to people in need, we’re delighted as we are able to make a difference.