Social Food Webs

Every year in the EU, over 58 million tonnes of food is wasted, while over 37 million EU citizens cannot afford a good quality meal every second day (Eurostat, 2023). Food waste accounts for 16% of GHG emissions of the EU food system and represents an economic loss of 132 billion euros (SWD (2023)421).

The project objective is to improve policies that support local food circuits so that they are effective, sustainable, connected and inclusive through the principles of the circular economy model. These circuits must serve to promote and encourage waste prevention and the recirculation of food and organic waste, particularly focusing on food surplus redistribution for environmental, social and economic benefits. Food waste is a systemic issue and requires close collaboration with Public Institutions, Academia, Private Companies, Social Economy Entities, NGOs and Citizens.

The project centers on interregional learning between 8 European regions to exchange experiences, work on policy improvements together and monitor the results of these improvements. Good practices will be shared with the wider European community to inspire better policymaking and contribute to the transition to a sustainable European food system. Learning focuses on three key themes:

- Developing food waste prevention networks for social and environmental benefits
- Food redistribution management and monitoring technologies
- Supporting new business models in food surplus distribution

Social Food Webs builds regional capacities to develop strong multi-actor networks to reduce food waste and strengthen food security.