As lots of unsold but still edible food is thrown away while numerous charities that work to feed the poor are struggling to find enough resources, Brussels is looking to kill two birds with one stone by obliging supermarkets to donate their leftovers.
A growing number of people is depending on food banks in recent months and years, but less food is being donated. Some supermarkets donate unsold food voluntarily, others sell at a loss to prevent waste, but many chains continue to throw their leftovers away.
"Considering that 70,000 people in Brussels alone rely on food aid, it is unacceptable that we are still throwing away tonnes of edible food," said Brussels Welfare Minister Alain Maron.
From next year, Brussels will therefore start requiring some 100 large supermarkets in the region to donate their unsold food.
"Sometimes supermarkets make a commitment to donate on a voluntary basis but withdraw at the last minute. Or certain associations do not honour their commitments to supermarkets," Maron said. "In a lot of cases, food products are donated too late and cannot be consumed within a reasonable time."
From 2024 onwards, the Capital Region will introduce a legal framework to facilitate donations between supermarkets and beneficiary organisations.
While the obligation to donate will not completely solve the issue, donating unsold food would already be a big step in the right direction. "We must do everything we can to support the work of these associations, which fight against poverty every day."
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