About Us

Who we are

We started operation in 2011 as a joint community project planned by a small group, Devon and Cornwall Food Association (DCFA Exeter). In 2017 we became Exeter Food Action, an independent organisation registered with the Charity Commission as a not for profit, Charitable Incorporated Organisation (charity no 1174174). We employ one full-time and two part-time members of staff, and have a team of over 50 dedicated volunteers.

We work in partnership with FareShare South West to supply food for their Community Food Members in Exeter, East Devon and Torbay. Our service is free and we are financed entirely by grants and donations. Together we distribute food to 67 food banks and community groups in Exeter and across Devon.

We have six Trustees:

Nigel Walsh – Chair
Philip Willcock – Treasurer
Susannah Ford – Secretary
Andrew Kemp – Publicity & Fundraising
Charles Nyeko-Lacek
Yvonne Atkinson.

We are based at Unit 10, The Space Place, Alphin Brook Road, Marsh Barton, Exeter, EX2 8RG.

What we do

Exeter Food Action works with wholesalers, manufacturers and retailers, ‘rescuing’ surplus, good, nutritious food, thus preventing it from going to waste. In 2023 we were ‘highly commended’ in the Exeter Sustainability Awards (further information via this link). We were also finalists in the Exeter Chamber Sustainability Impact Awards 2024.

All food received is donated to organisations that support more vulnerable people in Exeter and across Devon, including those affected by hunger, homelessness, family breakdown, low incomes, poverty, benefit uncertainty, poor nutrition etc., sharing food with soup kitchens, hostels, food banks, community cafés, schools, hospices and others.

In 2023 we distributed just over 118 tonnes of food to 64 food banks * and community groups, (equivalent to the weight of 3 Boeing 737-800 planes), supporting 1,000s of people every week. The volume of food distributed in 2023 was an increase of over 50% on the previous year, and a more than 500% increase in our annual distribution since we became a Charitable Incorporated Organisation in 2017. It’s a record, although one we’d rather not have because it reflects ever rising demand. We are currently collating our 2024 figures.

* As of 18.02.25 we provide support to 67 foodbanks.

Rescuing food

The food we rescue is often disposed of because it has a short shelf life, its packaging is damaged or it might simply be surplus to requirements.

Our current recipients

This is a list of our 67 current recipient organisations (February 2025). Those marked with a red asterisk * are Exeter Food Action/FareShare South West Community Food Members, who receive a weekly delivery. Our vans also deliver in Exeter and across Devon every week day.

Some of our current suppliers