Romania wastes 3.45 million tons of food annually

More than 3.45 million tons of food are wasted annually in Romania, according to data released by the Federation of Food Banks in Romania (FBAR). This massive waste occurs while over 27% of the Romanian population faces the risk of poverty or social exclusion.

To combat this, current legislation allows companies in the agro-food sector to transfer surplus stocks, products with aesthetic packaging defects, or items nearing their expiration date to the food bank network free of charge. In exchange, companies benefit from full tax deductibility and VAT exemptions.

Once collected, products are transported via a national fleet of 31 trucks—including refrigerated vehicles for perishables like dairy, meat, and fresh produce—to nine regional warehouses. There, items are inspected and stored according to health and hygiene regulations before being distributed to registered NGOs, which provide meals or aid packages to vulnerable groups, including children in orphanages, the elderly, and families in crisis.