Food Banking System Aims to Prevent Food Waste

According to the Economic Reforms Action Plan, the necessary regulations for expanding the Food Banking System are targeted to be completed by year-end. Noting that food banking has been implemented globally for 54 years and in Turkey for over 20 years as a waste prevention and social solidarity network method, Selışık stated that the system creates a civil society organization that collects, sorts, stores and distributes donated food, clothing, cleaning and hygiene products to those in need. Selışık reported that as of now, approximately 30,000 food banks worldwide distribute 540,000 tons of food to 6.5 million people. Stating that food waste can be prevented through food banking, Selışık said: "Wholesalers and retailers need to deliver all food products that cannot be sold but are safe for consumption to those in need. Food banking should be expanded for the purpose of distributing products that are safe for consumption and nearing the end of shelf life to those in need. In this way, food waste can be prevented." Reminding that the Economic Reform Package includes the statements "The Food Banking System will be expanded by making it attractive in order to prevent food waste," Selışık informed that existing legislation should be reviewed to reach the most sustainable Food Banking System model, and necessary legal infrastructure should be established. Selışık expressed that a national software needs to be prepared to establish a National Food Bank Network that includes monitoring of donations, food banks and beneficiaries without violating the privacy of personal information. Noting that it would be beneficial to safely consume food products left in customs and abandoned to spoilage through the Food Banking System, Selışık said: "A regular funding system should be established through which in-kind and cash donations are received via SMS, websites and other tools, including food banking applications, for the purpose of combating food loss and waste, and a National Trust Fund system for food banks should be established. Designing and implementing a special logo for businesses that make food donations could encourage relevant parties to participate in the system." Source: www.aa.com.tr