Entering the gleaming new warehouse was impressive on many levels. The towering shelves, requiring a forklift to navigate, already housed a vast collection of surplus produce. The enormous fridge and freezer units, the new electric vans, the bustling and dedicated staff and volunteers… all exuded an air of inspirational competency, declaring real potential to make a significant impact in Surrey communities. As the warehouse gradually began to fill with guests from all backgrounds, united by their desire to help, the buzzing atmosphere hinted that this was only the beginning.
The day began with speeches from many who have been instrumental in the opening of the depot, such as CEO of FareShare Sussex & Surrey Dan Slatter, Mayor of Guildford Sallie Barker, and Lord-Lieutenant Michael More-Molyneux. With each of their heartfelt speeches, they drew attention to the necessity of this new depot in Surrey, highlighting the high inequality in the region.
Despite Surrey’s reputation of general wealth, alongside affluent areas are pockets of deprivation which are too often overlooked. Children and the elderly are among the demographics suffering the most, with 15,739 (6.8%) children living in absolute low-income families, and 1 in 20 pensioners in poverty. Without structural resolutions, the gap between the rich and poor continues to grow.
In summary of some of his words, Dan Slatter said: “Thanks to the generous donation of £100,000 from Surrey County Council, we have been able to fit out the new warehouse with a large freezer and chiller, which greatly increases our capacity to get food to those in need.”
Mayor of Guildford, Councillor Sallie Barker said many kind words, acknowledging the importance of the depot for her community: “I’m thrilled to celebrate the opening of this new FareShare warehouse in Guildford. This depot will play a central role in tackling local food insecurity and food waste in our borough. The health and wellbeing of our communities really matters.”
Dan Slatter also highlighted the different ways the new depot would support communities in Surrey. Not only can it help distribute healthy food, but new innovations have been implemented to help as many people in need as possible, in different ways. As the availability of frozen surplus food is on the rise, FareShare Sussex & Surrey is launching a frozen membership to increase uptake, estimated to save charities and community groups an average of £18,000 per year. We’re also offering charities and community groups support to purchase freezers, to help them store more frozen surplus food. Plans for employability schemes in the Surrey depot are currently underway, as we aim to train 30 people a year who are struggling to find jobs, building skills for the workplace.
After listening to the speeches, the Lord-Lieutenant cut the ribbon – officially declaring the depot open!
Guests were then guided upstairs to an incredible spread made by Gem’s Wholesome Kitchen, all ingredients (of course!) sourced from FareShare’s surplus produce. Gem herself spoke some words about her long partnership with FareShare, and the incredible events it’s helped her to put on. Wraps, dips, crackers, fruit, brownies and banana bread – everything was delicious. The air filled with a hum of pleasant conversation and general warmth.
From its humble Brighton roots back in 2002, there’s much pride to be found in FareShare Sussex & Surrey’s new stage of growth. Currently, we serve 17 organisations in Surrey, helping around 7,500 people a week. But by the end of 2025, thanks to the new depot, we plan to be serving up to 60 charities and community groups in the county. With great things on the horizon, we wish the Guildford depot the best of luck.
Written by Amina, Univeristy of Sussex Intern.