According to the United Nations, around one-third of food produced for human consumption is wasted worldwide. In Austria, between 800,000 and one million tons of food are disposed of each year, with 229,000 tons coming from private households alone. The “World Day Against Food Waste” aims to raise awareness of these alarming figures and simultaneously showcase solutions.
Diverse measures against waste
To save still-edible food from the trash while also protecting resources, ADEG retailers implement various measures in their markets. Products nearing their expiration dates are not discarded but donated to charitable organizations to help those in need. Additionally, ADEG retailers collaborate with initiatives like “Too Good To Go” and with local farms that utilize unsellable food as animal feed. REWE Wholesale Managing Director Jürgen Öllinger emphasizes the exemplary role of ADEG retailers: “Our ADEG retailers set a strong example against food waste with their commitment. Through creative and sustainable measures, they demonstrate how responsible handling of food can be practiced in everyday life. They not only contribute to environmental protection but also support people in challenging life situations – a win-win situation for society and our resources.”
From the “Too Good To Go” app to food bank donations
A successful example of effectively preventing food waste is the ADEG market run by Peter Buchmüller in the Salzburg municipality of Großgmain. For two years, the market has participated in the “Too Good To Go” initiative, where still-edible but imperfect food is packaged in “surprise bags” and offered at discounted prices shortly before closing time. An app shows which stores offer this service and where customers can pick them up after payment. At ADEG Binder in the Lower Austrian municipality of St. Andrä-Wördern (district of Tulln), foods nearing their expiration dates are also offered through the “Too Good To Go” app at significantly reduced prices. Additionally, the market offers baked goods that are older than one day at half price. A unique initiative is the collaboration with the local bird of prey breeding station, where leftover meat and sausage products that can no longer be sold are donated as feed. Also in Lower Austria, the ADEG retailer family Lechner in the municipality of Katzelsdorf (district of Wiener Neustadt) takes extensive measures to actively combat food waste: They support people in difficult situations through cooperation with the “Team Österreich Tafel” while also focusing on food rescue.
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