In Flanders, over 205,000 tons of edible food end up in household bins each year. To combat this food loss, OVAM, De Kostwinners, Carrefour, and Promojagers are joining forces. The central message is simple: ask yourself in the store, 'Will I eat it, or forget it?'
The figures are alarming: the average Flemish family wastes 68.4 kg of edible food annually, equivalent to about 375 euros. This amounts to two to three full shopping carts of food. In total, 205,019 tons of edible food from Flemish households are discarded each year. This waste stems from thousands of small purchasing decisions made daily.
Preventing food waste often begins before shopping. Simple habits can lead to more conscious choices and less waste. A shopping list helps avoid impulse buys. It's also advisable to check your existing stock before heading to the store. Shopping on an empty stomach can lead to unnecessary purchases, so a small snack beforehand can help. Finally, planning meals in advance facilitates more targeted shopping and optimal ingredient use.
