One particularly effective initiative is the ‘Too Good To Go’ app, which offers surplus but still edible food at reduced prices shortly before closing time. Among others, ADEG Zeilinger in Neustadtl an der Donau (Amstetten district), ADEG Vorderegger in Wald im Pinzgau (Salzburg), ADEG Mitter in Haag am Hausruck (Grieskirchen district), and ADEG Greiner in Bernhardsthal (Mistelbach district) make use of this option. The ADEG Rettersackerl also make an important contribution: products whose best-before date is approaching are offered at a discount directly in-store. Around 3,300 bags have already been sold this year.
In addition, several ADEG staff members are involved in the ‘Foodsharing’ initiative – a volunteer-run movement that distributes surplus food free of charge to raise awareness of sustainable consumption and actively prevent waste. These include, for example, Silvia Niederl in Fernitz-Mellach (Graz-Umgebung district), Bojan Acanski-Hagen in Feldkirch-Gisingen (Feldkirch district) and Gerald Haller in Seeboden (Spittal an der Drau district). REWE Wholesale Managing Director Florian Klein emphasises: “Our ADEG retailers impressively demonstrate how responsible business practices can work in the food retail sector. Whether through digital solutions, ‘Rettersackerl’ (food rescue bags) or collaboration with social organisations: what matters most is their personal commitment to people and the regions. It is precisely this passion for food, fellow human beings and sustainability that defines ADEG.”
Food rescue is a regional initiative
Three dedicated shop assistants in different regions of Austria demonstrate just how diverse food rescue is at ADEG. In Lendorf, in the district of Spittal an der Drau, ADEG shop assistant Tanja Fuchs relies on ADEG food rescue bags, collaboration with a charity shop, and the distribution of food to farms. In addition, she processes products herself and sells goods at a discount to customers and staff. In Laxenburg in the district of Mödling, ADEG shop assistant Martin Gartner is also actively committed to combating food waste: alongside ADEG Rettersackerl, he works with the Red Cross, amongst others, and donates food to a local farmer. Heinz Berlinger in Bezau in the district of Bregenz is also committed to the mindful use of food. The ADEG retailer works with the organisation “Tischlein deck dich”, sells products to customers at reduced prices and donates food to farms once the best-before date has passed. In doing so, Tanja Fuchs, Martin Gartner and Heinz Berlinger make it clear that food rescue at ADEG is not limited to individual measures, but is implemented directly in the regions every day as part of a commitment to local supply.
