Municipalities in Brazil and Portugal implement food waste reduction initiatives

Efforts to combat food waste and food insecurity are being implemented through municipal initiatives in Brazil and Portugal.

In São Paulo, Brazil, the Municipal Food Bank, managed by the Executive Secretariat for Food and Nutritional Security and Supply (SESANA), has distributed 391 tons of supplies to registered organizations between January and August 2026. This initiative addresses a national context where approximately 55.4 million tons of food are discarded annually, representing about one-third of Brazil's total production. While the country remains outside the FAO Hunger Map, the debate continues regarding the contrast between high production and social vulnerability.

In Águeda, Portugal, the pilot project ‘Águeda + Verde | Sem Desperdício’ has successfully repurposed approximately 2.1 tons of food. The initiative, promoted by the Águeda Municipal Council, involved 22 catering establishments that provided free packaging to customers, allowing them to take home uneaten portions of their meals. The project aims to encourage sustainable consumption habits and reduce environmental impact by preventing edible food from being sent to landfills.