Brussels obliges supermarkets to donate food

The Brussels government approved on Thursday, July 13, a draft regulation, on the initiative of Minister of Welfare Alain Maron (Ecolo), that obliges Brussels supermarkets to donate their unsold food products. This aims to combat food waste and meet the needs of 70,000 people dependent on food aid in the capital.

Starting in 2024, it will be compulsory for all supermarkets with an area of more than 1,000 square meters to donate unsold food products to organizations active in food aid. This move comes after many supermarkets already voluntarily donate food, but Minister Maron stressed that it is unacceptable to continue throwing away edible food when so many people need help.

The regulation targets food that has not been sold one day before its expiration date. Supermarkets will be required to sign agreements with food aid organizations, which previously could lead to tensions between parties. The new framework aims at smoother cooperation between supermarkets and associations.

In addition to reducing waste, the ordinance also facilitates the work of logistics platforms such as Dream and Loco, which are responsible for collecting unsold goods in the Region. Companies that reuse or resell unsold food to individuals will also have access to the unsold food in order to reduce waste to the maximum extent possible.

The preliminary draft of the ordinance will be submitted to the advisory councils and the Council of State before being re-examined by the government and submitted to the Brussels Parliament for a vote. This measure is an important step forward in the fight against food waste and to have a positive impact on those dependent on food aid in the Brussels region.

Bruzz.be