Reducing food wastage in the UK
The problem
Food disparity in the UK is a significant issue, characterized by unequal access to affordable, nutritious food. This disparity affects physical health, mental well-being, and overall quality of life, making it a critical issue that requires immediate attention and long-term solutions. This is where Langar Aid has stepped in.
Food donations and distribution
We provide food packages to individuals in need based on referrals from organizations like WATCH and the Job Centre. We use general donations, as well as surplus food donations, to create food parcels. These are swiftly distributed around Coventry and the West Midlands to schools, elderly homes and charities.
Donation criteria
To ensure a longer shelf-time and the sustained satisfaction of our service users, Langar Aid encourages as many non-perishable donations as possible.
✔ Tea bags and instant coffee (ground/instant)
✔ UHT milk and dairy-alternative milk
✔ Sugar
✔ Canned food, fruit and vegetables
✔ Cereals and biscuits
✔ Pasta and rice
✔ Other non-perishable foodstuffs
Donation restrictions
We are only able to accept items suitable for vegetarians. This ensures accessibility for our donor recipients.
Foods containing meat, fish or egg will NOT be accepted.
Other unaccepted goods include:
✘ Open or used goods
✘ Dented cans
✘ Baby formula (due to UNICEF guidelines)
✘ Refrigerated items (UHT milks only)
✘ Unpackaged foods
✘ Expired foods
Reducing food wastage
Langar Aid has established a meaningful partnership with Brakes UK, a leading supplier of food and catering supplies. Saving surplus food is a key method of reducing wastage. As a main supporter, Brakes UK weekly donations fuels our mission to serve those in need but also prevents good surplus food from going to waste.
Past projects
Food retailers
Langar Aid often received regular food donations from Greggs and Papa Johns Pizza. Out of these donations, food packages were made and then distributed around Coventry and Bedworth to elderly homes and charities.
COVID-19
Tesco and Aldi have been kind patrons of our cause by donating surplus food during the COVID-19 pandemic. Aldi supported Langar Aid especially during the Winter by donating van loads of nutritious surplus food, including vegetables such as sprouts, carrots, potatoes and broccoli.
During the unprecedented stranding of 5,000 lorry drivers in Kent, our teams prepared 1,000 food parcels and travelled 338 kilometres to help deliver meals for drivers.
Langar Aid's history
Langar Aid, Khalsa Aid's flagship project based in the UK, is dedicated to providing food for the homeless and vulnerable across the country. Its work extends beyond the UK, providing crucial support to Khalsa Aid’s international relief missions.
The seeds for Langar Aid were sown in a family home in 2016 in Coventry, and swiftly blossomed into the impactful, compassionate project that we know it for today.
UN Sustainable Development Goals
This project supports the achievement of the following UN Sustainable Development Goals:
Collaborators
Brakes UK
Brakes is the UK’s leading wholesale food supplier for caterers and chefs.
Khalsa Aid UK/Langar Aid has established a meaningful partnership with Brakes UK, a leading supplier of food and catering supplies. This collaboration aims to amplify our efforts to provide nutritious meals and support food security in our communities.
McDonalds
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, McDonalds continue to support those in greatest need in communities, funding the redistribution of food through partnerships with FareShare, Community Shop and food waste charity FoodCloud.
Sainsbury's
Sainsbury's endeavours to donate unsold surplus food to a local charity through one of its 'surplus back of store' food partnerships. This practice has been in place since 1998. The donated food includes fresh fruit and vegetables, dry goods such as sugar and pasta, and bakery items made in store. Sainsbury's has amassed over 2,100 partners, including Langar Aid.
