Should grocers have to turn unsold food over to food banks?

By George Anderson

FEBRUARY 10, 2016

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Food insecurity is a real thing. Representatives of food banks across the U.S. have spoken about the increased numbers of people, many not fitting the typical profile of the poor, who show up looking for help with feeding themselves and their families. While grocery stores and restaurants are known for generosity in attempting to feed the needy, a lot of food winds up in dumpsters.

France faces similar challenges and the senate in that country has taken legislative action to address it. In a unanimous vote, legislators have restricted stores from disposing of food nearing its best-before and expiration dates. Instead, businesses will turn over the food to charities to provide meals for those who need it.

With the law, France becomes the first country in the world to mandate that food be turned over to charities. In the past, businesses have thrown away food or taken steps such as dousing it with bleach to avoid being sued by people who may become sick eating spoiled items.

Jacques Bailet, the head of a network of food banks in France, said supermarkets will be required to sign a donation agreement with charities. The result, he told The Guardian, will mean, "We'll be able to increase the quality and diversity of food we get and distribute. In terms of nutritional balance, we currently have a deficit of meat and a lack of fruit and vegetables. This will hopefully allow us to push for those products."

Carrefour, the largest supermarket chain in France, has welcomed the passage of the new law.

While most food wastage still occurs in the homes of consumers, it is estimated that roughly one-third of that making its way to landfills in France comes from food stores and restaurants.