FareShare South West, the largest food redistribution charity in the South West, has warned that soaring fuel prices are adding significant pressure to its efforts to deliver food to thousands of people in need across Devon and Cornwall. The charity stated that demand for food support has increased by 45% since the Covid-19 pandemic, while the cost of collecting and delivering surplus food has sharply risen.
Ryan Jackson, the hub manager, noted that petrol costs have increased by 31% and diesel by 41% in the last six months, leading to significantly higher operating costs that the charity has had to absorb. At the same time, the number of charities requesting support from FareShare South West has grown across the region.
The rising cost of fuel also raises concerns about its impact on volunteers and staff, many of whom are paying more to travel to their shifts. Volunteer Jamie Henshaw highlighted that volunteers are not paid, meaning travel costs come out of their own pockets, and there may be a point when some can no longer afford to come to work. Prolonged high fuel prices could affect the charity's ability to recruit and retain volunteers, according to Jackson.
Despite these challenges, FareShare South West remains committed to meeting the growing demand. The charity plans to relocate to a larger hub in Plymouth later this year and establish more food collection points across the region.