FareShare South West faces rising fuel costs as food demand surges in Devon and Cornwall

FareShare South West, the largest food redistribution charity in Devon and Cornwall, reports a 45% increase in demand for food support since the Covid-19 pandemic. Soaring fuel prices have sharply raised the charity's operating costs, with petrol up 31% and diesel up 41% in the last six months. The charity, which relies on 80 volunteers and four paid staff to sort and deliver surplus food weekly, warns that rising costs may force some volunteers to stop helping due to travel expenses. Despite the pressure, the charity plans to expand its operations by moving to a larger hub and adding more collection points.