Ukraine is launching the implementation of a national food banking system aimed at more effectively distributing unsold but consumable food products among socially vulnerable citizens. The mechanism is being created with the participation of the government and the Ukrainian Food Bank Federation and involves the transfer of food from businesses to people in need of humanitarian support.
This is reported by Finway
Lost Resources: The Scale of Food Waste in Ukraine
According to official estimates, Ukraine disposes of between 2.5 to 2.7 million tons of food each year, which accounts for approximately 15–20% of all produced and consumed food. The cost of disposing of food waste reaches 9.6 billion hryvnias annually. A significant portion of these products is safe for consumption; however, instead of reaching the table, they end up in landfills. At the same time, over 12.7 million Ukrainians are in urgent need of humanitarian assistance.
How the National Food Banking System Will Function
The food banking system is based on the creation of special logistical hubs—food banks—where producers and retail chains will transfer unsold but quality products. Non-profit organizations will then be responsible for sorting, storing, and assembling food packages or ready meals. These packages will be distributed free of charge to internally displaced persons, pensioners, people with disabilities, and those facing difficult life circumstances.
Taras Vysotsky, Deputy Minister of Economy, Environment, and Agriculture, reported on the preparation of comprehensive legislative changes to launch this initiative.
“Currently, the transfer of products is carried out on a voluntary basis; however, the state aims to make this process systematic. In the coming months, it is planned to adopt a law on ‘Food Banks’ and amend tax legislation to create financial incentives for socially responsible businesses. Among the proposals is the introduction of an obligation for large supermarket chains to transfer unsold food surpluses to charitable organizations.”
The government emphasizes that all food safety requirements will remain strict: food banks themselves will bear responsibility for the quality and storage conditions. It is expected that the launch of food banking will not only help reduce food waste levels but also provide support to millions of Ukrainians.