The announcement followed the King’s Speech and forms part of wider efforts to support households facing rising food bills and economic uncertainty, and tackle food waste and food poverty.
Speaking in Parliament, Starmer said: “Faced with challenges, we don’t retreat from our Labour values. Strength through fairness.
“So, we will keep supporting those who need it the most, including by creating a new national programme to redistribute surplus food.”
The initiative, known as the National Programme to Redistribute Surplus Food, has been developed over several months by sector leaders and co-authored by the Institute of Grocery Distribution (IGD), FareShare and The Felix Project.
The programme will bring together government, the food industry, charities, social enterprises and philanthropists in a coordinated effort to increase the amount of edible surplus food reaching communities across the country.
A number of organisations have backed the plans, including The Bread and Butter Thing, City Harvest, Community Shop, Feeding Britain, His Church, Neighbourly, Trussell and Xcess Network.
The plans have been inspired by the King’s Coronation Food Project and developed with the support of Number 10.
Catherine David, CEO of the Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP), welcomed the announcement, describing it as “a vital step forward”.
She commented: “The Prime Minister’s announcement of a national programme to treble the redistribution of surplus food to people and communities across the UK is a vital step forward. WRAP supports the organisations on the front line of this critical work, as well as the incredible work of the King’s Coronation Food Project.
“I’m delighted WRAP was part of the discussions helping to shape this national ambition. Redistribution has a critical role to play, supporting stretched households while reducing the enormous financial and environmental cost of good food going to waste.”
David explained that household food waste remains a significant challenge, noting that most food waste in the UK occurs in the home and can cost a family of four around £1,000 each year.
She added: “At a time when households are under growing financial pressure, tackling household food waste is one of the most immediate ways we can help people save money, strengthen food security and build resilience for the future.”
The announcement builds on previous government action announced earlier this year. In February 2025, Circular Economy Minister Mary Creagh launched a £15 million fund to support food redistribution charities in rescuing edible surplus produce from farms that would otherwise go to waste or be diverted to animal feed.
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