Aim

Sussex Surplus is a community food project that creates social value from surplus food. Help us sustain three of our projects in 2026!

Who are we? 

Sussex Surplus is a Community Interest Company based in East Brighton. We rescue good food that would otherwise go to waste and turn it into nourishing meals, long-life products, training opportunities, and welcoming community dining. 

We believe food is a resource to treasure. And when shared well, food can bring people together to build skills, provide good jobs, improve health, and build community. 

And in response to one of the most pressing challenges of our times – climate change - preventing food waste is one of the most effective ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions whilst also building stronger, more cohesive communities. 

Why are we crowdfunding? 

Throughout 2026, we’re determined to keep our impact going strong across Brighton and Sussex. The money raised through this crowdfunder will enable us to continue delivering three of our exisiting, exciting and much-loved community-focused projects. Our current funding ends in March, and we need your support to keep them running. 

🥕 1. The Sussex Gleaning Network 

We’ll continue to work with farmers and volunteers to harvest surplus crops left in fields and redistribute them to local community food organisations. This means less food wasted on farms, CO2 savings (2.7kg of emissions saved from being wasted for every 1kg of food rescued!), meaningful volunteer experiences that connect people to the countryside and local food systems, and more fresh, seasonal produce reaching community projects.  

🍽️ 2. Afterschool Club Meals at Brighton Table Tennis Club in Moulsecoomb 

We want to continue providing free weekly, nutritious meals for children and families, which are a part of an afterschool provision. Working with the BTTC’s coaches, our chef creates a delicious meal and a welcoming space where people can play, eat and connect with one another in a positive, safe and fun atmosphere. 

🧡 3. Together at the Table – Communal Dining Events 

These shared meals bring people from different backgrounds together around the table to break bread and break down barriers. As well as building community, the aim of these events is to connect people to their local food system through showcasing Sussex farmers and their produce.
It's all about creating connection, reducing isolation, building community, and creating moments of nourishment, joy and belonging. In the context of our current political landscape and the climate crisis, we think events that bring communities together are needed now more than ever.

Our Track Record in 2025

• With the help of volunteers we rescued 14,136kg of fruit and veg from farms across Sussex, equating to 176,700 portions of food. 
• Rescuing all this fresh food equates to saving 38 tonnes of CO2. 
• We had 176 volunteer attendances at 30 gleans and pack-house collections, improving physical and mental health, as well as understanding of local food production. 
• Harvested food was very gratefully received by: Sussex Surplus, Fareshare Sussex & Surrey, Fareshare Kent, The Felix Project, City Harvest, Brighton Permaculture Trust, SEA Climate Hub, Havens Food Coop, The Real Junk Food Project, and more. This food supports people across the South East who are facing food poverty. 
• Served 955 meals at the BTTC afterschool club at Moulsecoomb to an average of 25 kids and parents each week. 
• Hosted four Together at the Table communal dining events at One Church Brighton feeding a total of 332 people.  

Feedback from one of our Gleaning volunteers:
"Gleaning days are such a joy: fresh air and exercise in great company and all for a good cause, what more could you ask for? As a full-time carer I find these days are a real boost to my mental health ... it's a win-win."

Sabri Ben-ameur of Brighton & Hove Muslim Forum says:
"The Together at the Table initiative is wonderful. It’s a great opportunity to strengthen understanding and solidarity between our communities"

The Bottom Line

As a community organisation that aims to make healthy and delicious food accessible to local people whilst providing meaningful inclusive employment, we can’t do what we do without funding. So we really need your help to help us raise £20k and keep the lights on for our impactful projects! We’re so grateful for all your donations, and if you can’t contribute financially, please consider sharing the link to our crowdfunder within your networks.

Funding method

Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made