Recovery

Confusion around date labels such as “sell by,” “use by,” and “best before” often leads to premature disposal of food that is still safe and wholesome. Standardizing date labeling practices with clear, universally understood terms can significantly reduce unnecessary food waste.

Policies promoting standard labels and consumer education around the meaning of these labels further empower individuals to make informed purchasing and consumption decisions, cutting waste before it begins.

Liability protections, which alleviate concerns among food donors about potential legal repercussions when donating food, are crucial in promoting food recovery. Laws such as the Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Food Donation Act encourage businesses and organizations to donate surplus food by offering them immunity from civil and criminal liability, provided the food follows all safety laws and donations are made in good faith. These protections enable more donors to contribute to food recovery efforts, ensuring that safe and nutritious food reaches those in need instead of going to waste.

Tax incentives play a key role in promoting food recovery by providing financial benefits to farmers and businesses that donate surplus food instead of discarding it or leaving it in fields to rot. By offering tax deductions or credits, governments can help offset the staffing and logistical costs of donating food and encourage participation in food recovery efforts that redirect nutritious foods to families struggling to put food on the table.

Clear food safety guidance for food donations is essential to ensure that surplus food reaches those in need without compromising food safety standards. Straightforward and comprehensive food safety protocols enable donors to confidently donate food, knowing they are minimizing risks and maximizing benefits.

Food waste deterrence policies can increase food donation by requiring that food not go to landfills, and in some cases, by mandating that safe, edible food be donation. Food donation mandates now exist in place such as California, New York, France, and the Czech Republic. By penalizing food going to waste or requiring food donations, these policies keep food out of the landfill and ensure that food is put to its highest and best use—feeding people.

Government grants and incentives play a pivotal role in bolstering food recovery efforts by providing essential resources and support to organizations committed to reducing food waste. These financial supports encourage the development of innovative solutions, infrastructure improvements and scaling, and public-private partnerships that streamline the food donation process, ensuring that surplus food reaches those who need it most.

Integrating food recovery measures into climate action plans is essential to addressing the environmental impacts of food waste. As populations grow and consumption rises, many landfills are already at or quickly reaching maximum capacity. In the United States, as one example, food waste decomposing in landfills accounts for nearly 60% of all methane emissions from municipal solid waste landfills. By prioritizing food recovery, climate action plans can substantially reduce pressure on landfill capacity and methane emissions, while enhancing community resilience.

National food waste strategies demonstrate governmental leadership in developing and strengthening food waste prevention and recovery activities. By setting clear goals, coordinating efforts across sectors, and allocating resources for infrastructure and outreach, these strategies can enhance the efficiency and efficacy of food recovery and distribution efforts leading to increased community self-reliance.