From 2024, all supermarkets in Brussels with a sales area over 1,000 square metres will be required to donate edible unsold food.
The initiative was introduced by the local government of the Belgian capital, under Alain Maron, Brussels Minister for Social Action (Green Party). The ordinance covers all food items that remain unsold one day before their expiry date, and supermarkets are required to establish agreements with food aid associations.
Companies also have the option to reuse unsold food or sell it to private individuals. While the initiative will be enforced in 2024, several supermarkets are already voluntarily contributing food donations.
The average supermarket in Brussels currently throws away around a tonne of edible food each month.
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