Digital

Local networks against food waste

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Objectives

• Reduce food waste by setting local networks for cooperation
• Plan food pick-up for breaks/meals/buffets
• Save costs for breaks/meals /buffets for local activities/training events/management meetings

Green Value indicator

• Eco footprint/ Environmentally Weighted Material Consumption
• Acting to prevent food waste means saving the energy and water needed to grow and harvest. Food disposals go to the landfill and rot, producing methane

Explanation

Setting up local networks will help reducing food waste and supports individuals/organisations/company to purchase food/meals from local shops. This practice can be applied during the management of events/training/meetings in funded projects, to make food purchasing more sustainable both from the environmental and economic points of view.

There are plenty of apps available against food waste, but circular economy principles can be embedded during the implementation of project activities also by setting a local network with shops and producers as well with organisations dealing with the local food bank. In particular, local networks could help organisations/companies to reduce food costs for events, meetings and training.

It is possible to buy for a cheaper price good food/meal which would otherwise be disposed of at the end of the working day by grocery stores, restaurants and bars or local producers involved in the network. What is more, events with buffets could be linked to a local food bank, to prevent food waste and support people in need.

PROS/CONS of the action

Pros:

• Enables to decrease food expenditure for activities organised by organisations/companies, which are not always covered by their budget
• Food waste reduction
• It encourages organisations to buy locally/contribute to local economy
• It encourages organisations/companies to strengthen the local network with food & beverage-based businesses

Cons:

• Limited choice of food items
• Limited presence of registered retailers in areas with low urbanisation/small towns

Certified

Not Certified

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