Members of the South West region of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) have voted for FareShare South West to be its charity of the year for 2022-2023.
FareShare, which helps to tackle food poverty across the region by redistributing surplus food took the top spot in a closely contested poll run on the group’s social media channels. 
Cots for Tots – The Grand Appeal and mental health and housing charity Second Step runners up.
CIPR’s South West group is one of the organisation’s biggest by geographical area and is made up of recognised PR Professionals working in-house, in agency or in freelance roles.
Members respect a code of conduct, maintaining and advancing standards in the process.
The CIPR South West committee will now put together a calendar of in-person and digital events as well as launching fundraising initiatives to support FareShare South West over the next two years.
Founded in 2007, FareShare South West helps to tackle food poverty across the region by redistributing surplus food.
It saves hundreds of tonnes of good quality foods that would otherwise have gone to waste, so turning an environmental problem into a social solution.
It is the region’s largest food redistribution charity, partnering with schools, charities and community groups that, in turn, provide meals to those in need.
CIPR South West committee chair Ben Veal, pictured, the founder and director of Bath-based Second Mountain Communications, said: “By fighting hunger and tackling food waste FareShare South West is both helping those in need and simultaneously benefiting the planet.
“Over the next two years, we will be hosting a range of events and initiatives to fundraise and raise awareness for the charity.”
FareShare South West director of fundraising and communications Phoebe Ruxton added: “It’s great to have been selected as the CIPR South West’s Charity of the Year, especially as it was chosen for by the members – thank you to everyone who voted for us.
“Hunger and food waste are two of the most significant challenges facing today’s society.
“Every year, 250,000 tonnes of processed, packaged and ready-to-eat food is wasted by producers. In the South West alone, we redistributed 2041 tonnes of food, equating to 4,860,844 meals in 2021, saving our charity partners an estimated £5m in food costs.”
For more information on FareShare South West, visit www.faresharesouthwest.org.uk
