Warsaw engages retailers and customers in a project to limit food waste

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Warsaw has expanded the project aimed at limiting food waste, educating retailers and customers about ways to prevent waste.

City authorities headed by Mayor of Warsaw Rafał Trzaskowski pointed out that city officials and educators talked to 142 retailers and 224 customers, and noted that awareness of the issue is rising.

As part of the project, Warsaw collected nearly 30 tonnes of surplus fruits and vegetables from 6 marketplaces, with city authorities stressing that merchants have approached the project with commitment.

Karolina Zdrodowska, Warsaw’s coordinating director for entrepreneurship and social dialogue, pointed out that the city is cooperating with NGOs on the project.

She noted that education focuses on treatment and storage of food to minimise waste and added that the initiative is aimed at changing the habits of retailers and their customers.

Zdrodowska expressed hope that the project will serve as an example and encourage other retailers, consumers and local authorities to do what they can to minimise food waste.

Besides informing all parties about ways to deal with food surpluses, the project encourages donations of surplus fruits and vegetables to people in need.

City authorities pointed out that NGOs play an important role in the project – they collect food from retailers and deliver it to those in need.

(Photo credit: Jacopo Maia / Unsplash)