A local food network can tackle the food waste challenge while providing a wide range of environmental, social and economic benefits.

Food losses are estimated at 2.2 million tonnes per year in Canada. Laval farmers are no exception. Hunger has never been so present in Laval towns and countryside. The increase in the price of food increases inequalities even further and accentuates the urgency of acting to feed individuals with fresh, healthy and nutritious products.

Thus, le Conseil régional pour l'environnement has been implementing the 'Last Chance Operation' project, with the aim of helping local producers to sell or donate their agricultural surplus in a local food network. The producers have access to a network of more than 600 restaurants and grocery stores, and 150 community organizations in Quebec. Direct access to more than 1,000 organizations and professionals aims to create reciprocal opportunities. By creating stronger links between producers and professional markets, the pilot project aims to disseminate information more directly between supply and demand for fresh food.

Such a project allows producers to generate income by providing another way out to their surpluses, professionals to have access to fresh products at reduced prices and also, for food security organisations to benefit from fresher food at low prices or through donations for people facing food insecurity issues. In addition, restaurants and grocery stores can buy local products that have reached maturity or are not calibrated, at a competitive price to process them. Overall, it provides societal and environmental as surpluses are being enhanced through the work of restorers and processors, with the ultimate goal to reduce food waste.

Photo by Dose Juice on Unsplash