European Partnership to Support Surplus Food Donations
Sodexo and Stop Hunger have launched a region-wide partnership with the European Food Banks Federation (FEBA) to prevent food waste and help alleviate food insecurity.
The new initiative builds on an existing collaboration between the organisations at the European and local levels by formally recognising FEBA, which represents a network of more than 340 food banks in 30 countries, as Sodexo’s partner for the distribution of surplus food from meal production.
Sodexo already works with local food banks in many countries and the partnership with Stop Hunger which spearheads a global network of non-profit organizations working for a hunger-free world, as well as FEBA, is expected to ensure donations are made in at least 18 European countries.
EU Food Donation guidelines sanction the recovery of food that is surplus to requirements. Moreover, despite different rules applying in different Member States, most national authorities permit the redistribution of certain types of foods. Some EU Member States have also been working with industry associations representing catering and foodservice providers to create sector-specific donation guidelines.
Under the new partnership, Sodexo will help food production teams better understanding and apply relevant guidance, with FEBA assisting in tackling any obstacles to donation that may arise.
Sunil Nayak, Sodexo’s Europe President, comments: “As a major food service provider, we have made it our utmost priority to save food. Every time it is made possible, we share the surplus of food from meals with people in need.
“Our extended partnership with FEBA will help us to reinforce our support to local communities and secure new bonds to fight against food insecurity.”
“We are facing a global food crisis, with every zone of the world affected, and action is more crucial than ever”
Mouna Fassi Daoudi, President, Stop Hunger
Mouna Fassi Daoudi, President of Stop Hunger, adds: “We are facing a global food crisis, with every zone of the world affected, and action is more crucial than ever. To facilitate surplus donation, Stop Hunger has hundreds of partnerships across the world with Food Banks and NGOs.
“This new Europe-wide partnership with FEBA will help us provide even more support to the most vulnerable, whilst bolstering our capacity to raise awareness and reinforcing our message that every step counts in the fight against hunger and food insecurity.
“We look forward to seeing what we can achieve together.”
Jacques Vandenschrik, FEBA President, says: “In times of crisis, collaboration is the main ingredient to adopt bold objectives and reaching them.
“At FEBA, we understand and recognize the indispensable value of food and today, thanks to this new level of collaboration we can take a further step in the prevention of food waste and reduction of food insecurity.
“FEBA is grateful to Sodexo and Stop Hunger for this cooperation which is now extended to several countries of our Europe.”
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