A FOOD WASTE MANAGEMENT PROGRAM FOR CYPRUS
This relatively new initiative is part of a larger national project that aims to reduce food waste. It does this by promoting a circular economy across the island. Essentially, a social welfare programme, it supplies fresh food daily for people who are facing economic difficulties. The program, which is known as ‘LIFE-IP CYzero WASTE’, also supports environmental sustainability. It does this by reducing food waste, which is otherwise sent to landfills.
Several restaurants, hotels, cafés, supermarkets and bakeries make up the scheme that collects and then redistributes food to families in need daily from designated distribution centres. It does this by authorising the collection of excess food from food outlets each day across each city.
Key aspects of the program
Focus on food donation: The program’s main goal is to help families in need by donating surplus food from food businesses.
Environmental sustainability: Besides helping people, the program is also designed to support environmental sustainability.
Part of a national project: The LIFE-IP CYzero WASTE project covers multiple regions in Cyprus and is coordinated by the Department of Environment.
