Charity appeals over annual donation shortfall

According to the charity, 13.2% of UK households are currently experiencing food insecurity

A food redistribution charity is calling on local businesses to help tackle a shortfall of donations which regularly occurs at the start of the year.

FareShare Sussex and Surrey said between January and April it always experiences a dip in donations - a period it calls this the 'Hunger Gap'.

The charity is urging food businesses to donate surplus produce such as wonky vegetables, stock with a short shelf-life, and mislabelled items.

Dan Slatter, CEO of the charity, said: "The growing demand to feed those in need during the cold winter months becomes increasingly challenging."

A spokesperson from farming business Barfoots, which supports the charity, described donating surplus food as "simply the right thing to do".

"We're proud to support them in the fantastic work they do within our community," they added.

FareShare previously relied on imported or polytunnel-grown produce but it said due to rising energy costs and extreme weather this has become "increasingly difficult".

George Shaw, food supply manager at the charity, said: "Unfavourable weather and low temperatures limit the variety of available produce and can disrupt the growing season for many fruits and vegetables."

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