Ag Policy Connection: Tackling food waste through a systems approach, with Lori Nikkel

"Food waste is not incidental, it is a systemic inefficiency that we have built across the entire distribution supply chain model."

"Measure it, set a target and then monitor it. Without consistent data and accountability, efforts remain fragmented across jurisdictions and supply chain segments."

"Best before date is about product quality. It's got nothing to do with safety, noting that consumer misunderstanding leads to unnecessary disposal."

"You can't not include a food waste strategy to have a food security strategy."

Canada faces a significant food waste problem, with 46.5% of food produced going to waste. Lori Nikkel, CEO of Second Harvest, emphasizes that this is a systemic issue rather than an accident. A coordinated national food waste strategy is essential for improving the food system. Key steps include measuring food waste, setting targets, and addressing avoidable waste drivers like confusion over best-before dates. Nikkel argues that a food waste strategy is crucial for achieving food security and encourages starting with any actionable step.

Read at Realagriculture