Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 March 2019
434. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if measures will be introduced to prevent food waste by supermarkets in order that usable food can be diverted to those in need; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10893/19]
View answerWhile supermarkets are directly responsible for the disposal of only 2% of food waste, their influence across the supply chain makes them central actors in combatting our national food waste problem. Recognising this, my Department and the EPA have sought to involve major supermarkets in reducing food waste. Aldi, BWG, Lidl, Musgrave and Tesco have all participated in my Department’s Action Group on Food Waste. This has involved:
- signing up to the ‘Food Waste Charter’ thereby creating a long-term partnership between the retailer and the EPA’s food waste prevention programme supported by my Department;
- collecting and sharing food waste data to measure and manage food waste, and
- signing up to the food donation network ‘Foodcloud’.
'Foodcloud’ is an online platform that connects retailers and charities. Using a smartphone app, charities are alerted to the availability for collection of surplus food in local shops. This arrangement helps charities save on their food costs and ensures food is not wasted; benefitting communities and the environment. The National Waste Prevention Programme of the EPA which is funded by my Department provided key funding to Foodcloud in its start-up phase.
Food donation is an important part of the response to our food waste problem as it recognises the value of food in society beyond its economic price. Given the scale of food wasted across production and consumption, donation will only ever be part of the solution and this is acknowledged by the UN, the EU and domestic stakeholders, including the charity sector.
Recent revisions of EU waste legislation put increased emphasis on food waste prevention and measurement. The European Commission is exploring further food waste measures with Member States and Ireland is participating fully in emerging initiatives.
