An NGO-led campaign that encourages retailers to promote food close to or beyond its sell-by date is transforming the way Danes see damaged or out-of-date food.
The NGO Stop Wasting Food was set up in Denmark to persuade retailers that they should do more to encourage edible food to be eaten rather than thrown away.
As a result of its campaigning work, most Danish grocery chains now offer promotions on foods that are near or past their sell-by dates. One chain has gone further, and specialises in selling foods that are beyond their sell-by dates. The combined efforts have led to a 25% reduction in food waste in just five years.
The UK's first 'waste food' supermarket opened in Leeds last September, selling donated food at prices decided by the customers. The difference is that the Danish initiative encourages all stores to participate, with the food sold alongside regularly priced goods.
Read more about the Danish scheme here, and find out more about how Sustain is campaigning to reduce food waste here.
Published Sunday 4 December 2016
Sustain: Sustain The alliance for better food and farming advocates food and agriculture policies and practices that enhance the health and welfare of people and animals, improve the working and living environment, enrich society and culture and promote equity.
