Rising Fuel Costs Strain Food Charity in Devon and Cornwall

FareShare South West is the largest food redistribution charity in the South West. It collects surplus food, which is food that is left over and not needed, and passes it on to people who need help.

The charity is now facing a new problem. Soaring fuel prices are adding pressure to getting food to people in need across Devon and Cornwall. Recent increases in wholesale oil prices have pushed up fuel costs, and this affects the charity's deliveries.

According to BBC News, petrol prices have risen by 31% and diesel by 41% in the last six months, according to hub manager Ryan Jackson. Higher prices mean that every journey costs more to make.

FareShare South West said demand for food support has risen by 45% since the Covid-19 pandemic. The charity redistributes surplus food to about 70 organisations across the region. It gets this food from food producers, farmers, supermarkets and other businesses.

The charity operates a distribution hub in Plymouth. About 80 volunteers and four paid staff work there. Volunteers are not paid and bear their own travel costs, so higher fuel prices affect them directly.

Jackson said prolonged high fuel prices could affect the charity's ability to recruit and retain volunteers. Keeping enough people to help is important for the charity's work.

FareShare South West is an independent charity. It relies on government, corporate and independent funding to carry on its work.

The charity has plans for the future. It intends to move to a larger hub in Plymouth later this year. It also plans to create more food collection points across the region.