Food waste has substantial negative impacts - environmentally, socially and economically. Around one-third of food produced globally is lost or wasted - directly contributing to the climate crisis (representing 8-10% of global greenhouse gases emissions), stressing the environment and exacerbating food insecurity, and resulting in economic losses of an estimated $1 trillion a year. Reducing food loss and waste could thus be one of the leading strategies globally for achieving a sustainable food future.  Yet, opportunities provided by food waste prevention remain largely untapped. Given that almost 70% of the world's food production is destined for urban consumption, involving cities in the battle against food waste becomes crucial to achieving global goals of reducing per capita food waste by 50% by 2030. Local authorities, being in closer proximity to citizens and local businesses, possess a unique position within the food system to foster both direct (e.g. through public procurement, municipal markets, etc.) and indirect engagement (e.g. through awareness raising for citizens).

This accelerator session will explore strategies that cities put in place to reduce food waste along the food supply chain. Building on the CHORIZO and the CityLoops projects, we will bring practical examples from frontrunner cities.

This webinar is an accelerator session at the World Circular Economy Forum 2024.

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Agenda

Welcome and introduction
Simon Gresset, Senior Expert, Circular Economy, ICLEI Europe

The current state of the food system. Food prevention as part of the solution
Simon Gresset, Senior Expert, Circular Economy, ICLEI Europe

Local food strategies and interventions in hospitality, households and the public sector

• Working with the hospitality sector to prevent food waste in Porto
  Susana Freitas, LIPOR - Municipalities Association for Sustainable Waste Management of Greater Porto 
• Curbing food waste in municipal schools and elderly care centres in Helsingborg
  Sofia Mattsson, City of Helsingborg
• Engaging households in the battle against food waste in Bruges
  Karine de Batselier, City of Bruges
• Food redistribution in urban settings: The case of Vallès Occidental
  Xavier Juanena Muñoz, Ecosocial Transition Officer at Consell Comorcal del Vallès Occidental
  Meritxell Rovira Antonell, Researcher at Circular Economy & Decarbonization Department Sustainability Area, LEITAT
  
  

Organiser:ICLEI Europe