A NEW company aims to give food to which would otherwise be thrown away to charities instead.

Food Drop takes unsold food from the high street, destined for the bin, and gives it to those in need.

It has been providing charities with food in London since last summer and is now set to open in Brighton.

Charities in the city who wish to take part are asked to visit www.fooddrop.co.uk/charities#sign-up.

A spokeswoman for the company said: “Cafes and restaurants are often forced to throw away perfectly edible food at the end of the day.

“Food Drop makes it easy for this food to be collected by nearby charities, helping reduce food waste and strengthen local communities.

“It’s completely free. That means the only thing you will have to worry about is what great tasting sandwiches, salads and sweet treats you want to collect.”

In the capital, Food Drop has partnered with Pret A Manger, Caffe Nero and Hummingbird Bakery.

So far, 20,000 food items have been given to more than 50 charities.

Janette Collins, from The Crib, a young person’s charity in Hackney, said: “Using Food Drop helped us to reduce our costs as we are able to provide snacks to the 100 young people we support weekly.

“The platform makes it easy to share collections between myself and four other support workers.”