With food still being wasted by some supermarkets and charities that work to feed the poor in Belgium’s capital struggling to source enough provisions, the Brussels-Capital Region will make food donations by supermarkets mandatory.
High food inflation and the rising cost of living led to growing numbers of people depending on food banks. But less food is being donated, with some supermarkets donating unsold usable food voluntarily whilst others will sell at a loss to prevent waste. However some chains continue to throw away usable unsold food.
Currently, a supermarket in Brussels donates just over a tonne of usable food each month. From 2024 onwards, a legal framework will be introduced between supermarkets and beneficiary organisations to facilitate donations.
“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. In a lot of cases, food products are donated too late and cannot be consumed within a reasonable time,” Maron explained.
R&I-Rawr
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Article URL : https://www.brusselstimes.com/606703/throwing-away-tonnes-of-food-brussels-to-make-supermarket-donations-mandatory