Food redistribution charity FareShare has released a “mini-manifesto” calling on political parties to tackle the “staggering” levels of food waste in the UK.

The manifesto, titled ‘Where’s The Food? Mini-Manifesto‘, outlines recommended actions for the next Government to bring about lasting change to the UK’s food distribution system.

According to FareShare, by making redistributing surplus food to people a priority, parties can commit to strengthening communities across the country by delivering more surplus food to those in need. The mini-manifesto publication launches a consultation between FareShare and key partners across the food, redistribution and civil society sectors. The consultation will inform a fully costed manifesto, published ahead of the General Election.

The mini-manifesto aims to encourage the next Government to work more closely with industry and the charity sector to “build a UK where no good food goes to waste, communities are strengthened through food, and access to healthy, nutritious food is improved.”

It also sets out recommendations to help the UK become a become a “world leader” in redistributing surplus food. These include incentivising businesses to redistribute more surplus food, empowering families, people and their communities, and putting an end to short-term food policies in the UK.

George Wright, FareShare CEO, said: “Every year in the UK, we waste a staggering three million tonnes of edible food in our supply chain. This comes at a time when 13 million people are facing food insecurity.

“The UK is lagging behind its counterparts like the USA, France and Spain in redistributing surplus food. The next Government must create an economic and legislative environment that benefits surplus food redistribution and results in more food getting to people who need it.

“Food redistributors, charities and businesses are already hard at work. We need the Government to do its part and deliver lasting change for communities across the United Kingdom.”

According to FareShare, previous Tesco commercial director Wright said in an interview that working in the charity sector “is far more competitive than what I used to do”, and pointed to increasing demand for surplus food for increased competition.