In the EU, over 58 million tonnes of food are wasted or lost every year, while 42 miOn 29 September, FødevareBanken welcomed the Danish Minister for Industry and Competitiveness Martin Lidegaard at their warehouse in Zealand.
Minister Lidegraad was given a tour for the warehouse and insights into the extensive work of collecting and distributing surplus food: From coordinating volunteer efforts and collaborating with food donors to planning routes, assembling deliveries, and ensuring high food safety standards, it takes a major joint effort to get surplus food to the social organisations.
Hands-On Insights to Food Redistribution
Lidegaard took part in working at the warehouse, helping to sort lemons and apples in the warehouse alongside the volunteers. He also had a chance to talk to some of the volunteers, who shared their experiences of working with FødevareBanken, and with Ole Mikkelsen from WeShelter about the significance of surplus food for the organisations that FødevareBanken supports.
Discussing Partnerships and Initiatives for Businesses
Minister Lidegraad was told about food bank partnerships with the business community: In addition to the many companies that donate surplus food, FødevareBanken collaborates with a range of businesses on corporate volunteering initiatives, where employees lend a hand at warehouses and gain first-hand insight into the work in food banks.
Food Banks as Experts in Repurposing and Redistributing Food
Our network can offer policymakers and businesses plenty of information, evidence and practical guidance on rescuing, repurposing and redistributing food. This is why visits like these are important to raise awareness and establish food bankers as local experts to support policymakers in finding solutions to reduce food waste and relieve hunger.
