Across the UK, tonnes of good food never reach people’s plates. A bumper harvest might leave farmers with more produce than they can sell. Manufacturers might have stock left over after a change in demand. For many, that surplus becomes waste. But at FareShare Midlands, we believe it can, and should, become something more.

Introducing FLEX – The Food Life Extension Programme

That’s the idea behind FLEX: the Food Life Extension Programme, an award-winning initiative developed by FareShare UK and delivered all over the UK through our dedicated teams and community partners. FLEX takes large quantities of surplus food and gives it a new life by turning it into long-lasting meals that can be stored, shared, and enjoyed for weeks or even months to come.

Bringing FLEX to Life at the Coronation Food Hub

A few days ago, this mission came to life at the Sir Peter Rigby Coronation Food Hub, where the kitchen buzzed with activity and purpose. As part of the FLEX project, Zehra Vickers, Programme Manager – FLEX and Food Intervention, joined us to demonstrate how surplus ingredients can be transformed into delicious, nourishing canned meals. She arrived with a selection of soups that told a story of creativity and care, Black Eyed Beans in Tomato Soup and a rich BBQ Chicken Broth, and many more, made entirely from surplus food.

Once canned, these meals are sent out to FareShare Midlands’ network of member charities across the region, ready to reach those who need them most. Each tin represents more than just a meal; it is proof of what happens when innovation meets compassion. Food that might have gone to waste instead became a warm bowl of comfort for someone facing hunger, especially during the challenging winter days.

Through FLEX, every can we produce, and every meal we preserve, extends the life of good food and strengthens the support we offer to communities across the Midlands.

How You Can Help

To support initiatives like this, we need your help. Each donation helps us collect and store surplus food safely and distribute life-extending meals to families and individuals in need. Together, we can make sure no good food is wasted, and no one goes hungry.

Donate now and help turn surplus into sustenance and waste into hope.

Contact us:

Name: Kara Glover
T: 07943 771206
E: fundraising@faresharemidlands.org.uk