The Netherlands has made significant efforts to address the issue of food waste in recent

years. The country has been proactive in implementing measures and initiatives to reduce
food waste, improve sustainability, and promote a circular economy. Here's an overview of
the state of food waste in the Netherlands:

National Initiatives: The Dutch government has set ambitious targets to reduce food waste.
In 2014, the government launched the "United Against Food Waste" campaign, which aimed
to cut food waste by 20% in 2019. While the target was not fully achieved, it helped raise
awareness about the issue and led to various actions.

Collaboration and Networks: Several organizations and initiatives work collaboratively to

tackle food waste in the Netherlands. The "Taskforce Circular Economy in Food" brings
together businesses, government bodies, and NGOs to develop strategies and promote
sustainable practices. Other networks and platforms, such as the "Food Waste Community"
and the "Samen Tegen Voedselverspilling" (Together Against Food Waste) initiative,
encourage cooperation and knowledge sharing among stakeholders.

Monitoring and Research: The Dutch government invests in research and monitoring to
understand the causes and extent of food waste. Reports like the "Monitor Voedselverspilling"
provide insights into food waste trends and help guide policy development. By monitoring
food waste, stakeholders can better target their efforts and measure progress.

Food Waste Hierarchy: The Netherlands follows the Food Waste Hierarchy, a prioritized
approach to dealing with food waste. The hierarchy encourages prevention as the most
effective measure, followed by redistribution, recycling, and, as a last resort, recovery through
energy production.

Sustainable Business Practices: Many businesses, including retailers, restaurants, and food
manufacturers, have taken steps to reduce food waste. Supermarkets often discount near-
expiry products, donate surplus food to charities, or participate in food redistribution
initiatives. Additionally, initiatives like "Too Good To Go" offer consumers the opportunity
to purchase surplus food at discounted prices, reducing waste at the consumer level.

Consumer Awareness and Education: The Dutch government and various organizations
emphasize consumer education and awareness campaigns. These initiatives aim to promote
responsible shopping, proper food storage, portion control, and creative use of leftovers. The
goal is to empower consumers to make informed choices and reduce food waste in their
households.

Despite these efforts, food waste remains a challenge in the Netherlands. According to
estimates, the country still discards millions of kilograms of food each year. However, the
collective actions, policies, and awareness campaigns have been instrumental in raising
awareness and driving positive change towards a more sustainable food system.