Mapping the barriers to food donation

Every year, an estimated 1.3 billion tons of food is lost or wasted globally. At the same time, between 720 and 811 million people suffer from hunger around the world. Food donation offers a critical solution to this troubling paradox, as it redirects safe, surplus food away from landfills to those who need it most. Unfortunately, most countries lack supportive laws and policies that enable food donation to reach its full impact.

The Global Food Donation Policy Atlas provides a first-of-its-kind look at the current state of food donation laws and policies in participating countries along with country-specific policy recommendations for strengthening food recovery efforts. The project includes the Quick-view atlas, which visually compares the food donation policy landscape across countries, and Country research of executive summaries, legal guides, and policy recommendations.

Map_button_crop

This project is a collaboration between the Harvard Law School Food Law and Policy Clinic (FLPC) and The Global FoodBanking Network (GFN). Learn more about the project.

goal 2
goal 12

Legal frameworks that promote greater food donation are essential to achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Food donation has proven essential to mitigating hunger and food waste during the COVID-19 global pandemic. Learn more.

Law and Policy Solutions for Greater Food Donation, July 8, 2020

Join Emily Broad Leib and Melissa Shapiro of the Harvard Law School Food Law and Policy Clinic who discuss the crucial role law and policy play in food donation—including the impact during the COVID-19 crisis.

Acknowledgments

The Global Food Donation Policy Atlas was made possible through funding by the Walmart Foundation. The findings, conclusions, and recommendations presented on this website and in materials contained therein are those of the Harvard Law School Food Law and Policy Clinic alone and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Walmart Foundation.

FLPC
GFN logo
FLPC
GFN logo