Ample and Oakland to Revolutionise School Meals and Hospital Catering with a Pioneering New Surplus Food Kitchen

In a world that increasingly recognises the need to minimise food waste and close nutritional gaps, Ample is taking a leap forward. Teaming up with Redditch-based logistics business Oakland International, Ample will create a dedicated kitchen that turns surplus farm food into tasty, healthy meals for schools and hospitals.

This initiative goes beyond merely filling plates; it aims to strengthen communities and build a more sustainable food system.

Ample helps farmers to sell fresh produce rejected by supermarkets because it is too wonky

The problem: Fresh produce is treated like a pariah - dumped, hidden and destroyed

Up to 15% of all food grown in the UK never leaves the farm, mainly because it doesn't fit cosmetic requirements demanded by supermarkets. This equates to over 10 million meals every day - more than enough to end food poverty. And farmers, obliged to deliver what consumers want, don’t get paid for produce that doesn't make the grade. Where does it go? Most is ploughed in, burned or disposed of as waste.

The Solution: Ample Kitchen

Building on Ample Marketplace, launched in 2024, Ample Kitchen will utilise these surpluses to produce millions of high-value meals, and at the same time ensure that farmers are paid a fair price for their great British produce.

Oakland is a leading UK logistics business

Partners for Change

Oakland International is an award-winning logistics business with a reputation for innovation through sustainability, servicing retail, wholesale and convenience markets in the UK and Ireland.

Drawing on Oakland’s expertise and resources we will build a dedicated facility to produce high quality, nutritious and delicious meals using surplus ingredients. Ample Kitchen will have the capacity to produce meals blast frozen to extend the life of produce that would otherwise go to waste.

We have purposefully focused the range on soups, stews and sauces, all abundant in vegetables. Examples include base sauces like passata and onion gravy, three-bean chilli with winter greens, non-meat balls (pulses) and middle-eastern pepper and onion stew.

Rather than complete meals, these meal components offer nutritious and adaptable bases for menu planning. This appeals to a wide range of local needs, keeps costs and stock under control, and enables production in high volumes in line with our goal of saving large amounts of surplus.

Ample meal components save time and support local recipe planning

The idea of a surplus food kitchen at this scale is groundbreaking and essential. At least 2 million tonnes of perfectly good fresh produce go unsold or uneaten each year. Ample Kitchen is designed to change this by working with growers to rescue their surplus food and use it effectively. By adopting a farm-to-table model, the kitchen ensures that each meal is made from the freshest ingredients available.

Moreover, this initiative fosters education about the significance of sustainability and healthy eating. We support schools to integrate lessons on food sourcing and nutrition alongside the delicious meals served. This will not only feed hungry students but also instil a deeper understanding of food systems in young minds.

The meals produced by Ample Kitchen will cater to the specific dietary requirements. The kitchen will provide options that consider allergens, preferences, and nutritional needs, ensuring inclusivity. For example, products will be crafted to be gluten-free, nut-free, or vegetarian based on patient and student needs. By focusing on quality and culinary excellence, Ample Kitchen is set to transform meal expectations in these settings.

Additionally, this initiative will foster collaboration among farmers, businesses, and communities. The emphasis on British sourcing bolsters local food economies and strengthens community ties around food production and consumption. In fact, we expect farmers working with Ample to see an increase in revenue of up to 10% for little or no additional cost, while simultaneously reducing waste.

The impact of Ample Kitchen will be significant not just for those who eat the food; it also offers a model for innovation within the food supply chain. By creating a replicable approach, other organisations can implement similar practices, amplifying the benefits of food rescue initiatives.

Ample products are delicious and nutritious

Ample Kitchen is more than just another food factory; it is a step toward sustainability, health, and education. By converting unsold farm produce into delicious and nutritious meals, we will impact thousands of students and patients that need good food the most. With its focus on community engagement and the reduction of food waste, Ample sets a new standard for the industry, the health of individuals and the wellbeing of our planet.