Introduction – overview of the funding

The Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has announced that food redistribution charities can now submit applications to a new £15 million government scheme – Tackling Food Surplus at the Farm Gate.

This scheme will help strengthen links between farms and charities to help solve the problem of food surplus on farms, with grants starting from £20,000 to help organisations.

 Who is eligible to apply?

This grant scheme will be open for applications from not-for-profit food redistribution charities and any groups with an interest are encouraged to apply.

Applicants can submit bids outlining how they intend to form relationships with farmers to access any surplus food, and how they would seek to increase their capacity to redistribute this food to communities.

What are the funder priorities?

Applicants will be required to have credible plans to form relationships with farmers to access the Surplus

To avoid commercialisation of Surplus, the grant will require applicants to pick up food from farms for free by the not-for-profit (NFP) redistributor for consumption by an end user.

NFP organisations that redistribute Surplus food to charities for a discounted or free food offer will be considered for this Project.

Applicants must be from NFP but can utilise the commercial sector to deliver the outcomes. Redistributors working in partnership would be in scope to enable large redistributors to work with small redistributors at a local level.

How much can organizations apply for?

Food redistribution charities can submit applications for grants starting at £20,000

What the funding can be used for

The funding can go towards purchasing new packaging and labelling equipment and vehicles to move goods from farms to a redistribution organisation, as well as new equipment, like fridges or freezers, to safely store food and ensure it lasts longer.

Is there a deadline?

Applications are now open and can be submitted online until 11:55am on 13 March 2025.

Find out more/how to apply

Applicants can submit bids outlining how they intend to form relationships with farmers to access any surplus food, and how they would seek to increase their capacity to redistribute this food to communities.

For more information, FAQs and  guidance notes on how to apply, check out the Defra website

Further support

For further support from RVA with preparing your application or your policies and procedures required for this funding, contact Herjeet Vass at herjeet.vass@rva.org.uk