Written question asked by Gordon McKee (Labour) on Tuesday, 14 July 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 16 July 2026. It was answered by Mary Creagh (Labour) on Tuesday, 21 July 2026 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Food: Waste

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps the Department is taking with food retailers and charities to improve the use of real-time data to increase the redistribution of edible surplus food.

Answer: In May, the Prime Minister committed to a national programme to redistribute surplus food to support those in need. Defra is working with food retailers, redistribution organisations, and charities to increase the redistribution of edible surplus food and reduce waste. In 2024, redistribution organisations received around 210,000 tonnes of surplus food, equivalent to 500 million meals worth approximately £870 million. We know that improving the use of real-time data and strengthening links between businesses and redistribution networks means that surplus food can be identified and redirected more quickly, ensuring more edible food reaches those who need it rather than going to waste. We are looking at opportunities for the sector to maximise the use of data.

Secondary information