by EH
A decade after launching the National Day for the Prevention of Food Waste, Italy is doubling down on its commitment to slash food waste with the “Italy 4 Pledge”. This initiative, announced at the second edition of the General States against food waste in Rome, rallies support for the “123 Pledge” by the United Nations/FAO, aiming to halve food waste by 2030.
At today’s event, top figures from Italy’s agri-food sector convened to endorse the pledge, emphasizing the need for concrete political measures to restore value to food and support both producers and consumers in the face of global crisis.
Meanwhile, new data from the Waste Watcher International Observatory reveals alarming trends in food waste across Italy. Despite efforts to curb waste, there’s an 8% uptick compared to last year. Each person tosses out 30 kg of food annually, costing families €290 and totaling over €7.5 billion for the nation. This waste disproportionally affects urban areas, the southern regions, and low-income households, highlighting the social and economic ramifications.
The report also sheds light on the connection between food waste and insecurity. The rise in food insecurity, particularly among economically disadvantaged populations, underscores the urgency of addressing waste not only for environmental reasons but also for social justice.
To tackle this issue comprehensively, Italy is rolling out innovative solutions. The introduction of the Sprecometer app, with its #RistoMensa feature, empowers consumers and businesses to track and reduce food waste, especially in restaurants and school cafeterias. Additionally, educational initiatives in schools aim to instill values of sustainability and responsible consumption in future generations.
As Italy grapples with the complex interplay of food waste, social inequity, and environmental sustainability, the call to action is clear: it’s time to make a difference, one pledge at a time.
