Bristol Bears team up with local charity to fight food poverty and reduce food waste

Bristol Bears and Gloucester Rugby have teamed up with FareShare South West, a charity that works to fight food poverty and reduce food waste in the region, ahead of Saturday’s West Country derby clash at Ashton Gate.

Supporters from both clubs are encouraged to bring food donations to Ashton Gate on match day to drop off at the FareShare South West van in the Fan Village as the two on-field rivals join forces to support their communities during the festive period.

Store-cupboard staples are welcome, such as tinned meat and fish, tinned fruit and veg, pasta and rice, low-sugar cereal, tinned pulses and long-life juices. They can't accept fresh food though.

Established in 2007, FareShare South West is the region’s biggest food and environment charity. With warehouses in Plymouth and Bristol, FareShare South West rescues good-to-eat surplus food from local food suppliers and, thanks to dedicated volunteers, delivers it to more than 400 charities, food banks and community groups – from Gloucester to Cornwall.

In the past 12 months, the charity has redistributed food for 249,000 meals in Gloucestershire, and 1.3 million meals in the city of Bristol alone. 

On match day, supporters can also choose to make a donation to the charity’s Big Give Christmas Challenge. For one week only, every donation made will be doubled to reach twice the number of people.

Gene Joyner, FareShare South West CEO said: “Winter is the toughest time for the people we support: higher bills, no free school meals over the holidays, and all the pressure of the festive season. 

“Your donations on match day will help us send food for one million meals to people across the south west this winter. We know supporters of both teams are passionate about their local community, and this is a great way to give and know both Bristol and Gloucester will get that support.”

Gavin Marshall, Bristol Bears CEO, said: “It’s fantastic to be teaming up with our friends at Gloucester Rugby, and the incredible people at FareShare South West, to make a real and meaningful impact to people across the region.

“Saturday marks the beginning of our Giving Back campaign, which proved so successful last year, and we thank supporters from both clubs in advance of their donations this weekend.”

Visit the FareShare South West website to find out more about their work, and how you could volunteer your support.