Storehouses Network · Connecting surplus food to community projects across the Midlands region
Storehouses

A Midlands network connecting surplus food to community projects

We link food Regional Distribution Centres (RDCs) across the Midlands including Coventry, Birmingham, Leicester, Wolverhampton and Sandwell - so organisations can access free or low-cost food sourced from UK wide wholesalers and producers direct.

  • No membership fee Funded to facilitate redistribution.
  • Food safety first Clear guidance, traceability and recalls.
  • Local focus Routes optimised for the Midlands.

The problem

  • Wholesalers and producers often have surplus that’s safe to eat but difficult to place quickly.
  • Small organisations struggle to access bulk donations or lack the logistics to collect.
  • Fragmented communication leads to missed opportunities and food waste.

Our approach

  • Single Midlands network with clear eligibility and food safety standards.
  • Transparent allocation based on need, capacity and proximity.
  • Simple offers form for businesses; one message reaches many projects.
  • Sourcing of items from across the whole of the UK.

How it works

One network. Two simple flows.

For community organisations

1

Apply to join

Tell us about your organisation, service area and storage capacity.

2

Set your preferences

Choose what you can accept, quality thresholds and collection windows.

3

Receive allocations

Get notifications when suitable surplus is available near you.

For food businesses

1

Offer surplus

Share product type, quantity, location and date codes in minutes.

2

We match quickly

We notify eligible partners closest to you and coordinate pickup.

3

Simple paperwork

You’ll receive confirmation and a basic transfer note for your records.

Eligibility

Who can join

  • Registered charities, CICs or community groups operating in the Midlands region.
  • Projects addressing food insecurity: foodbanks, community pantries, social supermarkets, community kitchens.
  • Ability to follow food safety guidance and provide basic impact reporting.

What we ask for

  • Named food safety lead and documented procedures (e.g. temperature logs where applicable).
  • Contactable collection lead and reliable pickup within agreed windows.
  • Respectful, transparent redistribution aligned with donor conditions.

Benefits for members

Access to surplus at low or no cost

Bulk and mixed pallets matched to your capacity and need.

Local logistics

Routes focused on Coventry, Birmingham and Leicester to reduce travel time.

Fair allocation

Needs-based and transparent criteria; learn how offers were matched.

Safety & compliance

Support with date codes, traceability and recalls.

Community of practice

Share tips, fridge space and volunteer swaps with nearby groups.

Lightweight reporting

Simple monthly form helps us evidence impact without burdening you.

Join the network

For charities, CICs and community projects in the Midlands region.

Offer surplus food

For wholesalers, producers and distributors. One form notifies the right partners fast.

Frequently asked questions

Is there a membership fee?

No. Participation is free for eligible community organisations. Some allocations may include a small handling contribution to cover transport or storage when required — we’ll always be upfront.

What food can I expect?

Surplus varies week to week: ambient goods, produce, bakery, and sometimes chilled or frozen items. You set your preferences and we only match what you can handle.

Do you deliver?

Collection is typical, but for larger offers we may coordinate shared transport. Tell us about your vehicle capacity when you join.

What about food safety?

We follow the Food Standards Agency’s guidance for redistribution, keep basic records and support recalls. You’ll need a named food safety lead.

Can businesses get paperwork?

Yes — we provide a simple transfer note for your records with quantities, date codes and receiving organisation.

What areas do you cover?

We focus on cities in the East and West Midlands, although are expanding as capacity grows.