UK government appoints philanthropist as Food Surplus and Waste Champion

Ben Eilliot will be working with businesses in the hospitality and retail sectors for the initiative.

The Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has appointed Ben Elliot, who’s also the chair of the Quintessentially Foundation, to cut the unnecessary food waste in the UK which is said to total to 10.2 million tonnes per year.

The move is said to be in part of the government’s Resources and Waste Strategy that aims to decrease food waste in landfill by 2030. Elliot will be working with Elliot will work with businesses and other stakeholders from across retail, food manufacture, hospitality and food services for the initiative.

“As a nation, we need to stop this excessive waste and ensure that surplus food finds its way to people in our society who need it most, and not let it get thrown away and go to landfill,” Elliot said.

“The progress that we have made at the Felix Project has had a positive impact on thousands of people’s lives in London and I am extremely grateful to all of those involved in the food sector that have been so supportive,” he added.

Elliot will hold responsibilities such as supporting and championing the implementation of the food waste prevention policies, encouraging actors in the food sector to generate ideas and workable solutions on food surplus and waste issues and advising DEFRA on proposals for the distribution of the £15 million food waste fund.