According to an interview by PBS (Public Broadcasting System, 2019) and an article by Global Citizen, 2016, people waste 30% or 40% of the food produced worldwide, depending upon the source. Regardless, it is really quite astounding. One example of this waste is food in grocery stores that expires before being sold or food, such as produce, that is misshapen, blemished, or overripe.


In 2016, Italy introduced provisions to end food waste. Instead of throwing away leftover food, Italy required that markets must donate unsold food to charities rather than throw it away.


All the political parties supported the idea, and the bill passed quickly. Other countries, such as France, Denmark, European Union and Canada adopted variations of it but implemented it differently. The French
heavily fine food markets for putting leftover food in the garbage rather than donating it.


Italy took a different approach. Instead of fines, the government gives garbage collection tax breaks to businesses that take part in the initiative. Enterprising Danes created food waste stores.


Stories like these are all over the internet. However, the French are cited the most as the successful leaders in dealing with food waste.


By banning food waste, the French significantly boosted food donations. The French Federation of Food Banks agrees the law is working. The Federation is a major middleman in the grocery store-to-charity food chain. Every morning, more than 2,700 supermarkets send nearly out-of-date food to almost 80 warehouses around the country, rescuing 46,000 tons a year instead of throwing it away. According to the government, donations to food banks are up more than 20 percent.


The French identified a few weaknesses in the law. The obligation to donate unsold food products does not specify the quantity. Supermarkets can donate small amounts, as little as 1% of food waste, and comply with the remainder discarded.


The French government is looking at additional legislation to address the percentage. Still, the food markets donate much more than what the law requires. Another issue in several countries is the potential legal liability for expired products. Some places addressed it with a no-liability statement.


PBS (Public Broadcasting Service, United States) conducted an informative interview in Paris in 2019, three years after the initial legislation. The discussion included several citizens who helped lobby, draft and promote the legislation and some early users of the new system.


Guillaume Garot (French legislator who wrote the original French legislation) said, "Today, countries as different as Peru, Finland and Malaysia but also some countries in Africa are closely looking at what we've been doing in France. So what's important is to act together in the same direction."


Here are some things to consider in your local community that could make a positive difference.
Start with some research. Are there any organizations in your hometown already doing this? There are many non-profit ones doing something similar. If yes, consider getting your family or a group of friends together to help by volunteering your time and talent.

Talk with your local food banks. Do they need help connecting with grocery stores and restaurants to increase donations? What can amplify the effort?

Talk with your local grocery stores and restaurants. Help to facilitate connections between food banks, local government, faith-based institutions, and senior citizen centers.

How can those restaurants and grocery stores regularly making donations be recognized and honored for their work?

Create community kitchens and bring local chefs to teach people how to cook and preserve fresh foods. The government may have agriculture, food, nutrition, or health departments that sponsor ongoing events. Bring together ethnic and cultural groups to demonstrate the cooking and foods of different countries. Local community colleges may have students studying in complementary fields that can lend a hand. Pair up with local community gardening efforts. These entities can promote the cause and events through their respective audiences.


Everyone eats. The universal need for food can be community building. Food - it nourishes more than the body.

Photo by Kelly on Pexels.