Friends of the Earth Malta proudly announces the launch of The Food Connect Project: Connecting Food Systems in Southern Europe (LIFE Project No. 101148772). The main purpose is the creation of a collaborative food donation platform aimed at reducing food waste and fostering community solidarity in Cyprus, Malta, and Portugal.
The Food Connect app takes food sharing to the next level by connecting donors – including restaurants, hotels, catering halls, bakeries, food shops, and civil society organizations – connect with individual or organizational recipients through a streamlined online platform and mobile application available on Google Play and the Apple App store.
“The idea is that for any food business that has excess food that is still healthy to eat like bread at the end of the day, for example, they can list it on the app for donation and someone who needs it can claim it and pick it up.” Said Beth Fiteni, Zero waste Campaign Coordinator at Friends of the Earth Malta.
It can also be used for food like pasta or canned items that may be reaching their expiry date, that are still good and instead of throwing them away, the business can choose to donate them and help community members in need. “Businesses can not only help their community, but also reduce their environmental impact. Food breaking down in landfills causes the release of methane, a potent greenhouse gas. So it’s a win-win for people and the environment,” Fiteni added.
Official launch events are being held in each partner country, bringing together
key stakeholders including “HORECA” (hotel, restaurants, catering) sector businesses, NGOs, community representatives, and public authorities to serve as an opportunity to showcase the new app and its functionalities, and to Invite stakeholders to participate in pilot testing, providing valuable feedback to refine the platform. The platform encourages collaboration across sectors to reduce food waste and hopes to make a meaningful social impact.
If you are a restaurant, shop, agricultural or hospitality business, NGO, or food bank, you can sign up as a donor or receiver on the platform. By participating, you will not only help reduce food waste but also support vulnerable members of your community.
Join the movement against food waste!
