Giving platform Neighbourly surpasses 100 million meals distributed to local communities amid cost of living crisis

One hundred million meals have been donated to local community charities across the UK through the Neighbourly platform, helping millions of Britons stay fed and local good causes operational since the platform launched in 2014.

Neighbourly – which is based at Bristol's Engine shed where it employs 80 people – connects available resources such as food surplus, financial donations and volunteer time from 45 corporate partners (including M&S, Lidl, Aldi, Sainsburys, B&Q, RSA Insurance and Samsung) to over 21,000 local causes in the shape of charities, community groups and schools.

Between August 2021 and August 2022 alone over 32.8 million meals were redistributed via Neighbourly, worth £62.3 million and weighing 13790 tonnes.

Steve Butterworth, CEO said: “This is an important milestone for Neighbourly, our corporate partners and crucially for our good causes. This huge figure translates to genuine positive impact in terms of food waste avoided.

"Of course, the fact foodbanks and front-line charities are facing such significant demand is a stark reminder of the scale of the cost of living crisis and they shouldn’t need to rely on surplus to help solve social challenges.

“Equally, we know that 17 per cent of food is wasted in retail and at the consumption stage worldwide and are committed to doing what we can to reduce this here in the UK, ensuring that these valuable resources go to the best possible use. ”

Recent research with Neighbourly’s network of causes has found that increasing numbers of people are seeking support from food banks and looking for clothing, household essentials and financial aid. Most organisations are also witnessing a decrease in the provision of donations.

“Whilst we are proud of the achievement, it does not detract from the urgent issues facing increasing numbers of people across the UK. Our network of community groups is already experiencing soaring demand, particularly for food that does not require cooking.

“The role of corporate partners with surplus products to share is only set to grow this winter, and they will play a vital role in enabling local charities to survive and support their local communities.”