European policy for food security: The surplus food redistribution option

Abstract

Food security has become a central issue in international policy debates and academic literature. Although high-income countries have long considered their population sheltered from food insecurity, the recent economic and financial crisis has challenged such assumption and food poverty has become an increasingly relevant policy issue across Europe. In this context, food surplus recovery and donation to those in need has emerged as one possible answer to food poverty in affluent societies. Based on academic and grey literature, the chapter illustrates the regulatory framework at European level involved in the reduction of food waste and in the recovery of edible surplus food. It highlights the main strengths and weaknesses of policies at EU level and across Europe and discusses good practices.