Nicosia, Cyprus. Friends of the Earth Cyprus has launched Food Connect, a digital platform designed to reduce food waste by linking businesses with edible surplus food to charities and the public.
The free app allows registered organisations and individuals to reserve and collect food directly from participating businesses.
Platform operation
Developed under the European Life project, Food Connect enables hotels, restaurants, bakeries, supermarkets and food producers to list food that cannot be sold but remains safe to eat.
Donors register available items online, while recipients receive notifications through the app and can reserve donations at no cost. The application is available for Android and iPhone devices.
Food waste challenge
Cyprus has the highest food waste per capita in the European Union, with about 286 kilograms of food wasted per person each year, according to Eurostat.
Friends of the Earth Cyprus said the platform aims to prevent edible food from being discarded and help people facing financial need access nutritious meals.
Environmental and social impact
The organisation said food waste has environmental, economic and social consequences, as discarded food also wastes resources including water, energy and land and contributes to greenhouse gas emissions.
Food Connect is intended to simplify a process that has traditionally been informal and encourage cooperation among businesses, charities, public authorities and communities. Friends of the Earth Cyprus said each donation can help reduce waste and direct food to those in need.
