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FareShare expands food redistribution network with new Ipswich site

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FareShare has officially launched its new site in Ipswich, aiming to provide more surplus food to communities in need across the region.

The big picture: FareShare East Anglia is part of the UK's largest food redistribution charity network. Last year, it distributed 1.6 million meals via over 140 organisations across Suffolk, Norfolk, Essex and Cambridgeshire.

Why it matters: The larger facility will allow FareShare to increase its capacity for redistributing food that would otherwise go to waste, supporting local charities and community groups.

Kris Gibbon-Walsh, Rev. Lawrence Carey, Steve Dermody, Cllr Lynne Mortimer, Oliver Paul, Debbie Blacker, Les Dobson and Mike Barrett
Kris Gibbon-Walsh, Rev. Lawrence Carey, Steve Dermody, Cllr Lynne Mortimer, Oliver Paul, Debbie Blacker, Les Dobson and Mike BarrettGlen FarthingRed Wren Studios

Key details:

  • The ribbon-cutting ceremony took place on 12 September, attended by local supporters and partners.

  • Deputy Mayor of Ipswich, Councillor Lynne Mortimer, officially opened the new site.

  • The expansion was made possible with support from funders, including Comic Relief.

What they're saying:

  • Mike Barrett, regional manager, FareShare East Anglia: "Opening a larger site, with greater capacity, is going to make a huge difference and we're enormously grateful to all our partners who have helped bring this project to fruition."

  • Kris Gibbon-Walsh, COO of FareShare: "This new bigger warehouse will allow the teams to work safely, whilst really making a difference to our capacity for redistributing food to organisations across the region and beyond."

  • Reverend Lawrence Carey of Triangle Church Ipswich: "The ability to have a regular delivery of food items from FareShare has helped us to offer support to our community through our Top Up Shops."

What's next: FareShare East Anglia is hosting an Open Day on 31 October for prospective partners, suppliers, and organisations interested in receiving food.

The bottom line: The new site will enable FareShare to expand its operations, providing more support to local communities facing food insecurity while reducing food waste.

Search for 'rogue trader' targeting vulnerable Ipswich residents

News

Trading Standards has issued an alert after a vulnerable resident in the IP4 area of Ipswich was pressured into a £2,500 roof repair by a doorstep trader just before Christmas.

Why it matters: The incident highlights ongoing concerns about doorstep traders targeting vulnerable residents, with Trading Standards officers having to intervene to prevent further exploitation.

The details:

  • The uninvited trader approached the resident's property around 19 December

  • A verbal agreement for £2,500 was agreed for roof work

  • No paperwork was provided, and the trader left no contact details

  • The trader claimed scaffolding would be erected and work completed this week

  • Trading Standards Officers have since implemented measures to prevent the trader's return

Front door of a house
Trading Standards has issued an alert after a vulnerable resident in the IP4 area of Ipswich was pressured into a £2,500 roof repair by a doorstep trader just before ChristmasGetty Images

What they're saying: "Never agree to have any work done as a result of a cold call, and don't be pressurised into having the job done immediately," warns Suffolk Trading Standards.

Be smart: Trading Standards advises residents to:

  • Get quotes from two or three traders

  • Ask for traders' full names and addresses

  • Request detailed written quotations before work begins

  • Never pay upfront for materials

  • Avoid cash payments

  • Only pay once work is completed satisfactorily

How to help: Anyone with information about traders operating door-to-door in the IP4 area before Christmas or details about vehicles or individuals involved should contact Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133.

The bottom line: Residents seeking trusted traders can use Suffolk Trusted Trader, a vetted directory maintained by Trading Standards, rather than accepting unsolicited doorstep offers.

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