Volunteering at City Harvest: Fighting Food Waste
City Harvest rescues surplus food and delivers it to those in need, fighting hunger and food waste across London. Take a look at how we played our part to help.
Volunteering with City Harvest
This week, a new group of 9 Smarties visited City Harvest in Acton again, gaining deeper insight into the incredible work being done to tackle food waste and support communities facing food poverty. The visit offered a unique opportunity to see first-hand how surplus food is collected, sorted, and efficiently redistributed to organisations across London.
Who Are City Harvest?
City Harvest is a London-based food charity on a mission to rescue surplus, nutritious food from farms, retailers, manufacturers, and hospitality businesses, then deliver it for free to over 375 community partners across the capital. It redistributes approximately 1.3 million meals per month to those facing food insecurity, while also preventing waste and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Through its “Harvest for Hunger” initiative, the charity is now extending its reach upstream by rescuing fresh produce at the farm gate, transforming what would otherwise be wasted into nourishing meals for those in need.
How We Got Involved
Volunteering with City Harvest was an experience that left a lasting impression on the Smart team. From the outset, it was clear how far-reaching the organisation’s impact truly is. By rescuing surplus food from across the supply chain and redistributing it to charities, schools, and community organisations throughout London, City Harvest plays a vital role in tackling both food waste and food poverty.
At Smart Group, we believe in rolling up our sleeves and making a real difference. By partnering with City Harvest, our team has directly contributed to tackling food poverty across London – helping to ensure that surplus food reaches those who need it most.
Every volunteer hour makes a tangible impact, and we’re proud to share what our 56 hours of volunteering have achieved:
- 13.05 tonnes of food provided to City Harvest’s food rescue operations.
- 29,680 meals delivered to community partners supporting individuals and families in need.
- 32.4 tonnes of food rescued for human consumption – reducing waste and supporting the planet.
Together, we’ve not only helped feed thousands, but also played a part in creating a more sustainable and compassionate city. Every extra pair of hands at City Harvest amplifies their reach having a multiplier – effect on people and the planet alike.
