Food waste is a staggering issue in the UK. Each year, around 9.5 million tonnes of food are wasted, while 8.4 million people struggle with food insecurity—the equivalent of the entire population of London. For businesses in the hospitality industry, this presents both a challenge and an opportunity: how can we minimise waste while supporting those in need?
We first spoke to Plan Zheroes, back in season 2, episode 1 of our podcast Talking Hospitality, who were bouncing back after the devastation of lockdowns and Covid-19 and were at the forefront of tackling this issue.
But who are they, what are they doing now and why - if you sell food - might it be a good idea to get in touch with them?
A Legacy of Impact: Lottie Henley's Vision Lives On
Plan Zheroes was co-founded by the late Lottie Henley, a World War II refugee who experienced hunger firsthand. Her unwavering vision—ensuring surplus food reaches those who need it—remains the charity's beating heart. Despite her recent passing, her legacy continues to inspire the hospitality sector to address food poverty with urgency and compassion.
What Is Plan Zheroes Doing Now?
Today, Plan Zheroes is as relevant as ever. They operate an online platform that seamlessly connects businesses with surplus food to charities in need.
Restaurants, hotels, or catering businesses can upload details of excess food, and local charities are instantly notified.
It’s a smart, efficient system requiring no storage facilities or fleets of vehicles—an important distinction in terms of sustainability.
Since the podcast episode in 2020, the charity has continued to grow its reach. Their food-sharing network now spans cities like Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds, and Glasgow, with ambitious plans to expand further.
Even during turbulent times, such as COVID-19 and the current cost-of-living crisis, Plan Zheroes has adapted.
In fact, the demand for food donations has soared. Charities registered on the platform continue to claim donations within seconds, highlighting the urgent need for this work.
Why Should Hospitality Businesses Care?
As a hospitality business or leader, you will fully understand the challenge of managing surplus food, whether it’s from seasonal menu changes, over-ordered stock, or unexpected closures.
By partnering with Plan Zheroes, your business can:
- Reduce Costs: Diverting food from landfill can lower waste management expenses.
- Enhance CSR Impact: Supporting Plan Zheroes shows tangible commitment to sustainability and community impact—key factors for team engagement and guest loyalty.
- Streamline Donations: Their tech-driven approach makes food redistribution quick and hassle-free.
Addressing the Bigger Picture: Food Sustainability in Hospitality
Food waste is a serious issue in terms of human and environmental impact. But it isn’t just locally either. In a global level, every tonne of food diverted from landfill reduces methane emissions, a major contributor to global warming.
As consumers become more eco-conscious, demonstrating leadership will be and increasingly is a major selling point, grasped only by a few businesses at the moment.
Due to it's unique position, the hospitality industry plays a pivotal role in creating a more sustainable food system.
By supporting charities like Plan Zheroes, we can bridge the gap between surplus and scarcity, helping to build a future where no good food goes to waste.
How to Get Involved
For businesses ready to take action, joining Plan Zheroes is simple. Visit their website, planzheroes.org, to register and start donating.
Whether it’s excess stock, fresh produce or financial support there’s always a charity that will be able to use your waste to feed those in desperate need.
Rather than throwing away food, by making smarter choices with surplus food, we can tackle food poverty, reduce waste, and create a lasting positive impact.
Wouldn't you want to be one of those employers?
