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Thousands of unused military ration packs are being donated to help combat food poverty.

Defence chiefs will hand them to FareShare, which redistributes food to nearly 10,000 charities.

The packs keep 10 soldiers going for 24 hours, with meals such as porridge, sausages, baked beans, pasta and rice.

Among those to benefit will be homeless hostels, children’s breakfast clubs and lunch groups for the elderly.

(Image: PA)

Defence Minister Tobias Ellwood said: “Charity begins at home, and I’m pleased our partnership will make sure no food goes to waste.

“FareShare does a fantastic job redistributing food across the country.

“I’m proud the military can support communities in this way.” Some two million packs are used by the military each year. Less than 1% of MoD’s stock requires disposal.

Packs given to FareShare are from that 1%. The charity will remove perishable items or those hitting use-by dates.

(Image: PA)

The rations offer up to 4,000 calories to sustain an active person over 24 hours.

They include breakfast, lunch and a three-course dinner, plus drinks. Roger West of Defence Equipment and Support, the MoD’s procurement firm, said: “I’m delighted to be able to help tackle food poverty… while also minimising waste.”

It comes as the Trussell Trust reports foodbank use is now at record levels.

Experts believe FareShare’s redistribution of food from the supply chain saves the economy £51million per year.