Alarming figures with far-reaching consequences
Around one third of all food produced worldwide is thrown away. In Austria, around one million tonnes of food that is still edible ends up in the bin every year. At the same time, according to a recent study by Gesundes Österreich GmbH, around 420,000 people in this country are affected by severe food insecurity. The ‘International Day Against Food Waste’ draws attention to this worrying imbalance and highlights the importance of conscious food consumption. After all, every product that is thrown away not only means wasted food, but also the unnecessary use of valuable resources such as water, energy and labour.
Diverse commitment to combating waste
ADEG retailers throughout Austria are passionately committed to preventing edible food from being thrown away. In addition to tried-and-tested measures such as ADEG rescue bags, partnerships with Too Good To Go and the distribution of expired products to farms, there are numerous other regional initiatives. For example, ADEG Pfaundl in Reutte (Tyrol) supports the Paulusladen, which offers affordable food to people on low incomes. ADEG Zimmermann in Admont (Styria) works closely with Caritas, while ADEG Pirker, ADEG Haller and ADEG Winkler in Carinthia pass on surplus products via the ‘Foodsharing’ platform. But saving food that is still edible not only conserves resources. In many places, there is also a social benefit when people in need or charitable institutions are provided for. Donating to the needy in the local community is also part of everyday life. ‘Our ADEG retailers prove every day how seriously they take the issue of food rescue. Their commitment extends far beyond the shop door and brings real improvements for people, animals and the environment. It is precisely this sense of responsibility that defines ADEG,’ says REWE Wholesale Managing Director Florian Klein.
Food for animals in need – ADEG Danbauer makes it possible
ADEG Danbauer, with its three locations in Gosau, Bad Ischl and Bad Goisern in Upper Austria, provides a special example of how food rescue can go even further. There, food that has reached its best-before date is not disposed of, but offered for free collection in exchange for a voluntary donation. The special added value: the money collected – around 500 euros per month – goes entirely to Tierhilfe Bad Ischl, an animal welfare organisation. As a contact point for animals in need, the organisation cares for vulnerable or abandoned animals, nurses them back to health and finds them loving new homes. ADEG owner Wolfgang Danbauer is in close contact with the association and coordinates the required products directly – from pet food and cleaning products to nappies and washing powder. ‘I have known Tierhilfe for a long time and know how much heart and soul goes into it. When it comes to donations, many people immediately think of food – but hygiene products are often forgotten, even though they are urgently needed. I am particularly pleased that this campaign allows us to save food and support animals in need at the same time,’ explains Wolfgang Danbauer. The campaign has been running with great success since January and impressively demonstrates how much can be achieved with a simple idea.
Sources:
wien.gv.at
landschafftleben.at, tafel-oesterreich.at
Studie Ernährungsarmut in Österreich als Barriere für eine gesunde und klimafreundliche Ernährung
.jpg)
