Paris, France – A quiet revolution unfolds in the kitchens, supermarkets, and bakeries of France, where 25 kilograms of edible food slip into the trash for every citizen annually. This waste, a staggering reflection of the modern world’s imbalance, reveals the intimate battle between excess and survival. But amid the grim statistics, glimmers of hope emerge, illuminating a path towards change.
Reducing Food Waste: A Battle France Cannot Ignore
Across Europe, food waste weighs heavily on the hearts of those who understand its true cost. In France, despite laws designed to curb this waste, the problem remains. Since 2016, a law has forbidden supermarkets from throwing away unsold goods. Instead, they donate these items to charities, with donations rising by 28% between 2015 and 2017. Yet, even with this progress, the waste generated by individual consumers overshadows these advances, leaving a persistent issue. The Too Good To Go app estimates that every French person discards 25 kilograms of food annually, food that could fill empty stomachs.
France, known for its culinary prowess, faces the challenge of finding ways to bridge the gap between waste and need. Supermarkets are doing their part, but the spotlight now shines on everyday citizens, asking them to reconsider what they throw away.
Apps to the Rescue: Tech as a Tool for Change
In the face of such overwhelming numbers, a few innovative solutions have stepped forward. Among them, the Too Good To Go app—a platform designed to sell food nearing its expiration date at a fraction of its original price—stands as a beacon. This app allows users to locate nearby restaurants, bakeries, and markets offering surplus food. For consumers, it’s a chance to save money, while for businesses, it’s a way to reduce waste.
Amina Mohamed Abdou, the deputy director of a Parisian supermarket, enthusiastically supports this initiative. “We pull items from the shelves that are about to expire and prepare baskets full of fruits, vegetables, yogurts, and juices,” she explains. “A basket can cost as little as 3 to 4 euros for goods worth over 10 euros. This way, we avoid throwing food away. It’s a fantastic solution.”
And for those like Ismaël, a student who began using the app in 2021, this digital tool is more than just a money-saver—it’s a way to fight food waste on a personal level. “I use the app because I care about food waste,” he says. “It allows me to buy food that would otherwise be discarded, and as a student, it helps me save money too.”
His words carry the weight of a generation determined to make meaningful changes, both for the planet and their wallets.
The Bigger Picture: France and the EU’s Food Waste Goals
In a world where millions go hungry, France has set an ambitious target: halving food waste by 2025, while the European Union aims for a 30% reduction by 2030. Though the road ahead may seem long, with 129 kilograms of food waste per person annually—including both edible and inedible items—the country is making strides.
Applications like Too Good To Go and Phenix are empowering both businesses and consumers to take responsibility. They serve as a reminder that everyone has a role to play in ensuring that food waste becomes a thing of the past.
With 100 million users in 19 countries, Too Good To Go proudly claims to have saved over 350 million meals. These numbers highlight the potential of technology to address one of the world’s most pressing issues.
Looking Forward: A Future Without Waste?
As France pushes towards its 2025 goal, the work is far from finished. The challenge remains to not only encourage supermarkets but to reach every household, every student, every consumer who casually discards food that could have been eaten.
The conversation around food waste is changing, but the journey requires constant effort, creativity, and the will to reshape habits ingrained in society. France stands poised to lead the charge, showing the world that even in times of abundance, every bite matters.
