Food Waste Reduction as a Strategy for Enhancing Global Food Security: A Narrative Review of Policy and Practice

Abstract

Food waste poses a critical threat to food security, environmental sustainability, and economic efficiency worldwide. This study aims to explore how food waste reduction strategies contribute to enhancing global food security through a comprehensive narrative review. A systematic search of peer-reviewed literature was conducted across databases including Scopus, PubMed, and Google Scholar, targeting studies published between 2010 and 2024. The review focused on five thematic areas: public policies and regulations, technological and logistical innovations, behavioral change interventions, food redistribution networks, and circular economy practices. Findings show that while legislative frameworks in countries like France, South Korea, and Denmark have significantly advanced national food waste reduction efforts, persistent challenges remain due to policy fragmentation and cultural norms. Technological interventions such as IoT, cold chain logistics, and digital inventory systems have proven effective in reducing post-harvest losses, while behavioral campaigns and mobile applications demonstrate potential in changing consumer habits. Food banks and valorization techniques further contribute to waste recovery and resource optimization. Despite these successes, disparities in infrastructure, governance coherence, and nutritional adequacy of redistributed food present ongoing barriers. Integrating food waste reduction into national strategies that align environmental, economic, and health objectives will be essential. This review underscores the importance of multi-sector collaboration, innovation, and inclusive policy-making in addressing food waste as a pathway toward sustainable and secure food systems.