In London, food poverty and food waste exist side by side. Every day, thousands of people struggle to access nutritious meals, while tonnes of perfectly good food goes unused. At Rushton’s, we believe in taking action where we can — which is why we are proud supporters of City Harvest, a charity dedicated to rescuing surplus food and redistributing it to those who need it most.
The Challenge: Food Poverty Meets Food Waste
London is a city of contrasts. On one hand, restaurants, wholesalers, and retailers often have surplus produce that cannot be sold. On the other, many families, older people, and vulnerable individuals are forced to skip meals due to financial constraints. The result is a stark imbalance — food is wasted while people go hungry.
City Harvest addresses this challenge head-on. By working with food donors across the city, and the UK, including fresh produce suppliers like Rushton’s, they rescue surplus items and deliver them to charities, community groups, and food programs serving those in need.
How Food Redistribution Works
Food redistribution may seem simple, but the logistics are complex. City Harvest carefully collects surplus fresh, ambient, and frozen food, ensuring it is safe, high-quality, and ready to be used. Their network of charity partners then transforms these donations into grocery parcels or nutritious meals for people across London.
For Rushton’s, this partnership is a natural extension of our commitment to sustainability and social responsibility. Each week, surplus vegetables, fruits, and specialty items that might otherwise go to waste are collected and handed over to City Harvest. This way, nothing goes to waste, and people benefit directly from our produce.
The Impact: People, Food, and Planet
City Harvest measures its value across three critical areas:
- Food: Every rescued kilogram reduces waste and ensures more meals reach those in need.
- People: The charity empowers communities and individuals, improving access to nutrition and supporting local charities.
- Planet: By preventing food from going to landfill, City Harvest helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to a more sustainable London.
By supporting City Harvest, Rushton’s not only helps feed people but also contributes to a circular food system that benefits the planet.
Why It Matters
Food redistribution is more than a logistical exercise — it’s a statement about what our city values. It shows that surplus food can be a solution, not a problem, and that businesses and charities can work together to tackle hunger while reducing environmental impact.
At Rushton’s, we’re proud to play our part in this essential work. Every bag of surplus produce donated, every kilogram rescued, and every meal delivered through City Harvest represents a tangible contribution to fighting food waste and supporting those in need.
