Chilled and frozen meals producer Tillery Valley helps tackle poverty and reduce waste

In just eight months, Tillery Valley, part of Sodexo, a provider of on-site service solutions, has given 55 tonnes of food to the charity which contributes to more than 100,000 meals for people who would otherwise have limited access to good quality, nutritious food. FareShare works at the centre of two of the most urgent issues that face the UK - food poverty and food waste. The charity addresses these issues by providing quality food that is 'fit for purpose' produce from the food and drink industry, to organisations working with disadvantaged people in the community. Twelve months ago, Tillery Valley sent most of its waste to landfill and only recycled cardboard. In just a year the team has turned things around completely by reducing waste going to landfill by 50% and recycling more than 50% including cardboard but also paper, wood, plastic, tins and foils. At the end of 2009 Tillery Valley was awarded the national 'Corporate Citizenship Award' at Sodexo's annual awards ceremony, for the team's outstanding contribution to corporate responsibility. Tony Lowe, FareShare chief executive officer, said: "Working with Tillery Valley is a real success story for FareShare. It means we can get more good food to people who need it most. "The meat, fish and vegetables that Tillery Valley provides, means that our projects can offer their clients healthy and delicious meals. Disadvantaged people in Brighton, Bristol, Manchester, Barnsley, Leeds and Sunderland are already benefitting."