Devon and Cornwall Food Action: Volunteers, Partnerships, and the Power of Community
On Saturday, 17 May, under bright Helston skies, Devon and Cornwall Food Action (DCFA) delivered essential food bundles to 64 families. But behind the numbers lies a deeper story—one of dedicated unpaid volunteers, strong supplier partnerships, and a shared mission to reduce food waste.
From Surplus to Support
At dawn, three vans departed the Plymouth Hub, loaded with surplus food saved from waste. Thanks to expanded freezer storage, palletised shipment capabilities, and the ability to store ambient and refrigerated foods, DCFA is now equipped to handle larger-scale supplies from further afield—ensuring food that might otherwise go to landfill reaches families in need.
The Heart of DCFA: Our Volunteers
Our volunteers work without pay, driven by the belief that food waste is preventable and hunger is unacceptable. People like Nick, who balances a full-time job with his commitment to giving back, embody this spirit:
"Volunteering here gives me something completely different from my day job. The friendships, the teamwork, and the difference we make—it’s genuinely rewarding."
Food Insecurity Among Working People: A Growing Crisis
Food poverty is no longer confined to those traditionally accessing food banks. In England, as of January 2023:
- 38.6% of food-insecure households had at least one employed person.
- 25% of households with NHS and social care workers faced food insecurity.
- 26% of households with food sector workers (including supermarket employees) struggled to afford food.
- 21% of households with education workers experienced food insecurity.
Many full-time workers do not meet food bank eligibility criteria, despite facing rising costs and food poverty. DCFA is stepping in to bridge this gap, ensuring surplus food reaches the working people who need it most.
How Businesses Can Help
We’re calling on suppliers and businesses to join our mission. By partnering with DCFA, you can:
- Reduce food waste disposal costs
- Strengthen your corporate social responsibility
- Ensure your surplus food—frozen, refrigerated, or ambient—is redistributed efficiently to those in need
Interested in Partnering?
Contact Alan on Tel. 07510 77923 or via e-mail to chairman@dcfa.org.uk to discuss opportunities.
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