A person in a van helping to redistribute food

Food Redistribution Matchmaking Service

23 Mar 23

Connecting suppliers with organisations in need.

Zero Waste Scotland has launched an online matchmaking service aimed at rescuing food that would otherwise be wasted, by connecting suppliers with surplus produce and organisations that will benefit from it.

The service was created in response to disruptions felt right across the supply chain due to the coronavirus situation and is intended as a help to manage previously unforeseen gluts, where no other solution is in place.

Ensuring surpluses do not go to waste by redistribution has the benefit of providing quality food to those who can use it as well as protecting the environment. We’d encourage food suppliers with surplus to get involved.

If you are a food and drink business that has good surplus food that’s at risk of going to waste, we may be able to connect you with a redistribution organisation in your area.

Fill in our quick webform below to tell us more. Alternatively, email food.drink@zerowastescotland.org.uk or call 01786 433930 (9 am – 5 pm).

Surplus food redistribution matchmaking disclaimer

Zero Waste Scotland does not accept responsibility for the outcome of any surplus food redistribution arrangement made between suppliers and receivers and does not endorse any particular organisation.

For the purposes of the surplus food redistribution programme, Zero Waste Scotland operates a not-for profit facilitation service. It is not operating as a food business operator (FBO) under UK law and will under no circumstances receive any surplus food for redistribution. The supply of any surplus food shall be subject to separate agreement as between the food producer ("FBO") and the receiving company, charity or individual (the "Receiving Entity"). Zero Waste Scotland does not accept responsibility for the outcome of any redistribution arrangement made between the FBO and a Receiving Entity and does not endorse any particular organisation.

To the maximum extent provided by law, Zero Waste Scotland hereby excludes all legal liability for any claims, demands, actions, costs, expenses, losses and damages arising from a claim from an FBO, a Receiving Entity or any third party in respect of the supply of surplus food. 

The guidance or activities around the redistribution of surplus food does not change or replace the normal legal requirements that apply to the provision of food. A food business, which could be any undertaking, whether for profit or not and whether public or private, carrying out any activities related to any stage of food production, processing or distribution, is subject to food law.