South West's largest food charity appeals for volunteer van drivers

FareShare are have launched a recruitment drive for van drivers who, a couple of times a month, can help collect and deliver good quality surplus food to those in need.

FareShare are looking for people in Swindon and Wiltshire, and the rest of the South West who can volunteer their time to help staff collections and deliveries. 

The good quality surplus food that the charity secures goes out to charities, schools and community groups in Bristol, Bath and beyond. 

The Driving Out Hunger campaign aims to reach drivers across the South West who can spare a couple of days every month to get food to people who need it most.

FareShare South West says it joins the dots between surplus food and hunger.

Last year, the charity's van crews helped redistribute 2041 tonnes of good quality surplus food – enough for 4,860, 844 meals - to more than 400 different frontline charities.

Right now, the need has never been greater. According to WRAP in 2019, the UK produces more than 3 million tonnes of surplus food each year. In addition, The Food Foundation found that last month, a million adults across the UK reported going without meals for a full day because they couldn’t afford to buy food.

To meet this need, FareShare South West says it is expanding its operations this summer and launching new van routes across the region.

Kieron, one of FareShare’s volunteer van drivers said: “Delivering food to local charities and schools is a way to help people directly. We all know there are families, children, older people out there struggling to put food on the table – this is one very simple, very effective thing we can do to support them. You don’t need to be rich to help people, all you need is a driving license and some time!”

To volunteer as a van driver for FareShare South West, individuals must be 18 or over, have a standard driving license and be able to commit to 2-4 shifts per month (9am – 4pm daily).

Volunteers will get dedicated support from FareShare's volunteer coordinators, as well as a full induction and training.

A spokesperson for the charity said: "Volunteering at FareShare South West is fun, friendly and makes a direct impact on people’s lives.

"Get behind the wheel and help drive out hunger!"

To apply to become a volunteer, people can head to www.fareshare.org.uk/volunteer and enter their postcode to find the warehouse nearest to them.

Alternatively, individuals can email [email protected] or call 0117 954 2220