It may be more bread roll than rock ‘n’ roll, but FareShare South West’s newest addition is set to make a big impact across the West Country.

Truck Berry is the official name of the charity’s new 7.5-tonne refrigerated truck following a vote by staff and volunteers, in which the controversial Jam First, Hugh Lorry and Nacho Average Truck all narrowly missed out.

Despite the playful name, the vehicle has a serious mission to help FareShare South West rescue more surplus food and share it with charities and community projects across the region.

Funded by Defra’s Tackling Food Surplus at the Farm Gate scheme, Truck Berry will enable the charity to reach more local growers and suppliers and collect food that might otherwise go to waste.

FareShare South West Chief Executive Lucy Bearn said: "Devon and Cornwall are some of the UK's most deprived areas when it comes to accessing healthy food, while high-quality produce is grown right here.

“Thanks to Defra's Tackling Food Surplus at the Farm Gate programme, this truck will make it possible for us to support both farmers and people experiencing food insecurity, building sustainable access to affordable, locally produced food."

The charity says the issue is a pressing one, with the UK food industry currently wasting 4.6 million tonnes of good-to-eat food while 14 percent of UK households live with food insecurity.

Food rescued by FareShare South West goes to local grassroots projects, including school breakfast clubs, community pantries and food clubs – groups which support communities at a time of rising food prices.

Truck Berry joins Friar Truck in the charity’s two-vehicle fleet, marking a significant milestone for the organisation.

FareShare South West Food Manager Daniel added: “With this new truck, FareShare South West will be able to reach more food manufacturers, farms, growers, distribution centre and retail sites more quickly and effectively, empowering us to bridge the existing gaps where surplus food exists but national hauliers cannot reach.”

Alongside regular food collections, the truck is also capable of carrying large quantities in the event of seasonal gluts or over-production from suppliers.

One organisation receiving food through FareShare South West is Harbour Housing, a charity based in St Austell, Cornwall, which supports people experiencing or at risk of homelessness.

The team says the food made available to residents can often be a catalyst for people to engage with support to turn their lives around.

Kate at Harbour Housing said: “The food provision through our FareShare South West membership really underpins everything that we're able to do that's classed as added value. We're giving people nutritious food that they can access every day and at a time that's convenient for them.”

Farmers and food suppliers with surplus food who would like to share it with community projects across the South West can find out more by searching online for FareShare South West.