David Shreeve, the Church of England’s national environmental adviser, said:

“Today’s news* that half of the world's food ends up being thrown away is a wake up call for us all. The Church of England, through its Shrinking the Footprint campaign, is committed to working on issues of food waste.

The Bishop of London, the Rt Revd Richard Chartres, chair of Shrinking the Footprint, has taken a lead, working closely with the Feeding the 5000 campaign in highlighting the importance of cutting food waste.

“Churches across the country are rising to the challenge with food waste awareness campaigns. Next week Oxford Diocese is launching Food Matters, a national campaign on food and hunger encouraging comments and views on food issues online: posted at www.foodmatters.org.uk or tweet them to @foodmatters_UK. The Oxford bishops are already leading the way.”

Notes to editors
Shrinking the Footprint the Church of England’s national environment campaignwww.shrinkingthefootprint.org

* Full report can be read at http://www.imeche.org/knowledge/themes/environment/global-food?WT.mc_id=HP_130007

More information on Food Matters at www.foodmatters.org.uk

Feeding the 5000 campaign http://www.feeding5k.org/

Further information or enquiries:

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 Rachel Harden 020 7 898 1464/mb 077388 3714