EXCESS supermarket stock which would otherwise be thrown away will be distributed to the poor under a new scheme.

The FareShare programme launched by Hampshire County Council will see supermarkets and food manufacturers giving unwanted food to charities.

Executive lead member for children’s services cllr Keith Mans said: “It seems such an obvious idea to put to good use food that would otherwise be wasted.

“It is also an environmentally friendly solution, making a contribution towards reducing the amount of waste that needs disposing of.”

“The funding will be used by anti-poverty charity Scratch to set up six distribution points across the county.