Organic ‘food rescue’ charity Food in Community is partnering with food safety specialist Kersia UK as the charity opens a new processing facility at South Devon Food Hub, that will redistribute surplus organic produce to schools, hospitals and homes across the region.

Working with local organic growers, the charity repurposes 140 tonnes of surplus and imperfect vegetables each year for local communities, which would otherwise be wasted or diverted to animal feed.

Founded in 2012, the organisation relies on volunteers and support from local businesses to help bring more affordable fresh food into the community, with Kersia UK supporting its expansion through provision of hygiene products, food safety guidance and training.

Set to open in July, the new facility will allow for even more organic produce to be washed, prepared and frozen, extending shelf life and increasing year-round availability.

This will then be sold and profits will fund community initiatives, such as wellbeing food boxes, accessed through local GP surgeries, NHS referral, councils and schools.

David Markson, co-founder of Food in Community, says: “We collaborate with farmers to ensure that this incredible, locally grown produce does not go to waste. Our facility will increase the amount of food rescued by almost ten-fold.

“We want to keep more good food within the community and in particular make it available to people in greatest need of nutritious food, to support children and people recovering from illness.

Regional manager at Kersia UK, Andrew Blackler, says: “Everyone should have access to quality food that’s produced safely. We felt strongly about supporting an initiative that brings together farming, food and communities.

“We hope our knowledge will help the charity embed robust hygiene practices in line with food industry standards.”