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Seit der Gründung von Foodsharing Luxembourg im Jahr 2019 verfolgen wir aufmerksam wie die Regierung gegen Lebensmittelverluste und -verschwendung vorgeht, legen regelmäßig unsere politischen Forderungen zu dessen Reduzierung vor und beobachten, welche Maßnahmen sie ergriffen hat – oder auch nicht. Wir begrüßen zwar, dass die Regierung das Problem überhaupt anerkennt, doch die Maßnahmen im Nationalen Aktionsplan für ein nachhaltiges Ernährungssystem 2026–2030 vom 2. April bleiben weit hinter dem Notwendigen zurück. Statt verbindlicher Maßnahmen setzt die Regierung vor allem auf Sensibilisierung. An diesem kritischen Punkt fragen wir uns, warum es keinen politischen Willen gibt, Lebensmittelverluste und -verschwendung konkret zu bekämpfen? Derzeit fehlt ein eigenständiges Gesetz gegen die Lebensmittelverschwendung vollständig. Das ist nicht nur unambitioniert, sondern verantwortungslos.

Die Sensibilisierungsmaßnahmen der Regierung würden allenfalls die ohnehin unzureichenden Ziele der EU-Richtlinie zur Reduzierung der Lebensmittelverschwendung erfüllen: nur 10 % weniger Verschwendung in der Produktion und 30 % im Einzelhandel, in Restaurants und Haushalten bis 2030. Die Landwirtschaft bleibt völlig ausgeklammert. Das steht auch im klaren Widerspruch zum Nachhaltigkeitsziel 12.3, welches die Halbierung der Lebensmittelabfälle in allen Bereichen bis 2030 vorsieht – ein Ziel, zu dem sich auch Luxemburg verpflichtet hat.

Am 30. April lehnte die Regierung zudem die Motion 4542 von Joëlle Welfring gegen Lebensmittelverschwendung ab, obwohl sie von der gesamten Opposition getragen wurde. Die Argumentation der Regierungsparteien bei der Debatte in der Chamber zeigt, wie wenig Problembewusstsein vorhanden ist. Jeff Boonen behauptete, Sensibilisierung reiche aus, obwohl längst bekannt ist, dass Wissen allein Verhalten kaum verändert, was in der Verhaltensforschung als “Attitude-Behavior-Gap” bekannt ist. Verhaltensänderungen brauchen Zeit und Kapazitäten. Doch genau diese fehlen in Zeiten der Polykrise und wachsender sozialer Ungleichheit. Luc Emering behauptete angebliche negative Folgen für Supermärkte in Frankreich. Belege dafür gibt es nicht. Im Gegenteil: Das französische Gesetz aus dem Jahr 2016 sorgte nachweislich für gestiegene Spenden sowie gesenkte Entsorgungskosten und dient heute international als Vorbild.

In Zeiten der globalen Erwärmung und Ressourcenknappheiten bleibt das Bekämpfen der Lebensmittelverluste und -verschwendung dringender und wichtiger denn je. Das Wegwerfen verursacht mit rund 10 % der globalen Treibhausgasemissionen [1] dreimal so viel wie der gesamte weltweite Flugverkehr [2]! Gleichzeitig wird ein Drittel der Lebensmittel weggeworfen. Das bedeutet verschwendete Arbeitsstunden, Wasser, Transport und Dünger.

Die Lösungen existieren längst, aber die Regierung weigert sich, sie umzusetzen. Eine Spendenpflicht für noch genießbare Lebensmittel im Handel und in der Produktion gibt es in Frankreich, in Finnland und in der Tschechischen Republik. Alternativ könnte man die spendenden Betriebe von ihrer Haftung befreien, um die Spenden zu erhöhen, wie dies in Italien der Fall ist. Weitere wirksame Maßnahmen sind verpflichtende Preissenkungen für Lebensmittel kurz vor Ablauf des Mindesthaltbarkeits- oder Verbrauchsdatums sowie für optisch nicht perfekte Ware, ein Verbot von All-you-can-eat-Angeboten, eine obligatorische Rabattierung von Vorbestellungen und die Verbesserung des Mehrwegsystems für Speisen.

Seit unserer Gründung haben die Freiwilligen von Foodsharing Luxembourg 1000 Tonnen Lebensmittel vor dem Müll bewahrt. Doch das ist nur ein Tropfen auf den heißen Stein im Vergleich zu dem, was erreicht werden könnte. Jedes Jahr, das vergeht, gehen Tonnen Lebensmittel, Ressourcen und Klimaschutz verloren. Was fehlt, ist nicht Wissen, sondern politischer Wille. Und genau daran scheitert diese Regierung.

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[1] IPCC Special Report on Climate Change and Land, August 2019 (Chapter 5)

[2] Lee, David S., et al. “The contribution of global aviation to anthropogenic climate forcing for 2000 to 2018.” Atmospheric environment 244 (2021): 117834.

Since Foodsharing Luxembourg started in 2019 we have been closely following the government’s approach to food loss and waste, regularly presenting our political demands for reducing it and monitoring what actions they have – or have not – taken. Whilst we welcome that the government has acknowledged the problem, the measures set out in the National Action Plan for a Sustainable Food System 2026–2030, presented on the 2nd of April, fall far short of what is required. Binding measures are crucial, when it seems the government is relying primarily on raising awareness. At this critical juncture we question why there is no political will to concretely tackle food loss and waste? Currently, there is a complete lack of a dedicated anti food waste law. This is not only unambitious but irresponsible.

The government’s awareness raising measures would, at best, meet the already insufficient targets of the EU directive on reducing food waste: a reduction of just 10% in production and 30% in retail, restaurants and households by 2030. Agriculture remains completely excluded. This is also in clear contradiction to Sustainable Development Goal 12.3, which aims to halve food waste in all sectors by 2030 – a target to which Luxembourg has also committed itself.

On 30 April, the government also rejected Motion 4542 by Joëlle Welfring against food waste, even though it was supported by the entire opposition. The arguments put forward by the governing parties during the debate on Motion 4542 in the Chamber reveal just how little awareness there is of the problem. Jeff Boonen claimed that raising awareness is sufficient, even though it has long been known that knowledge alone does little to change behaviour – a phenomenon known in behavioural research as the ‘attitude-behaviour gap’. Behavioural change takes time and resources. Yet it is precisely these that are lacking in times of multiple crises and growing social inequality. Luc Emering claimed there would be alleged negative consequences for supermarkets in France. There is no evidence to support this. On the contrary: the French law from 2016 demonstrably led to increased donations and reduced disposal costs, and now serves as an international model.

In times of global warming and resource scarcity, combating food loss and waste remains more urgent and important than ever. With around 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions [1], food waste causes three times as much pollution as the entire global aviation industry [2]! At the same time, a third of food is thrown away. This means wasted working hours, water, transport and fertiliser.

The solutions have long been available, but the government refuses to implement them. Mandatory donations of food that are still fit for consumption in retail and production are already in place in France, Finland and the Czech Republic. Alternatively, donating businesses could be exempted from liability in order to increase donations, as is the case in Italy. Other effective measures include mandatory price reductions for food nearing its best-before or use-by date, as well as for goods that are not visually perfect, a ban on all-you-can-eat offers, mandatory discounts on pre-orders, and improvements to the reusable food container system.

Since our creation, Foodsharing Luxembourg volunteers have saved 1000 tonnes of food from the bin, which is a drop in the ocean of what could be done. With every year that passes, tonnes of food, resources and climate protection are lost. What is lacking is not knowledge, but political will. And that is precisely where this government is failing.

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[1] IPCC Special Report on Climate Change and Land, August 2019 (Chapter 5)

[2] Lee, David S., et al. “The contribution of global aviation to anthropogenic climate forcing for 2000 to 2018.” Atmospheric environment 244 (2021): 117834.

In 2025, Foodsharing Luxembourg continued and strengthened its commitment to fighting food waste thanks to an increasingly active community. Today, the non-profit organization has 306 volunteer Foodsavers, united by a common mission: to save food that is still perfectly edible but destined to be thrown away

Many people are unaware that most products carry a ‘best before’ date, which indicates quality rather than safety. In many cases, food can still be consumed well beyond this date without any health risk. Yet nearly 30% of  food produced is still thrown away. It was in response to this situation that Foodsharing Luxembourg was created, with the aim of preserving the planet’s resources and taking concrete action against climate change by reducing food waste.

To carry out this initiative, Foodsharing now collaborates with 62 cooperations and partner stores across the country in the Foodsaving project. These partners share unsold food that is still edible, which is then collected by volunteer members. We are proud to work with partners that understand the significant impact of food waste on our climate, environment, and society. The quantities saved vary greatly: they can range from small collections of 2 kg to more than 20 kg in a single collection from a large retailer.

Saved food can also be dropped off at one of the country’s 3 official Foodsharing Points, which are accessible to everyone free of charge, in accordance with strict hygiene rules. These points are located in Differdange, Esch-sur-Alzette, and Lintgen, and allow food to be made available for free, with no conditions attached.

Foodsharing Luxembourg relies entirely on volunteers. Each member gives their time and energy to keep this solidarity network alive. The results alone in the Foodsaving project speak for themselves:

👉 In 2025, nearly 164.400 kg of food was saved across Luxembourg.  

👉 Since 2019, Foodsharing Luxembourg has rescued more than one million kilograms of edible food. At an average of 50 kg per supermarket trolley, that represents a 20-kilometre line of fully loaded trolleys.

Beyond its daily rescue efforts, the non-profit organization also works to change the legislative framework in Luxembourg. Foodsharing advocates in particular for:

• a mandatory discount of at least 30% on products approaching their best before date or expiry/use-by date in the next 3 days,
• the sale at reduced prices of “ugly” fruit and vegetables that are perfectly edible,
• the obligation for businesses to donate food that is still edible,
• and greater awareness of anti-waste food practices at the national level.

We can all make a difference by changing a few everyday habits to reduce food waste. And if you’d like to take action even further, Foodsharing Luxembourg is always open to welcoming new motivated members.

You can also take part in one of the free zero-waste meals organized every month by Foodsharing members. The next one will take place on Sunday, January 25 at La Mesa – Maison de la transition in Esch-sur-Alzette.We would like to thank all the volunteers, active foodsavers, and partners for their commitment, motivation, and essential contribution to the fight against food waste in Luxembourg.

Luxembourg, 29th September 2025

Today marks the International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste, a moment to reflect on one of the most pressing social and environmental challenges of our time.

Food loss and waste occur when perfectly edible food is discarded along the supply chain – from farms to supermarkets to households – instead of being consumed. This results not only in a waste of valuable resources such as water, labour, energy, and land, but also contributes significantly to climate change.

Globally, one third of all food produced is never consumed. In Luxembourg, the food loss and waste represent 122 kilograms per person per year. According to Eurostat (2022):

• 65 kg come from households,
• 18 kg from manufacturing,
• 15 kg from restaurants and services,
• 13 kg from retail and distribution,
• 12 kg from primary production.

Private households are in fact responsible for 53 % of food waste in Luxembourg.

On this occasion, Transition Minett and Foodsharing Luxembourg, two Luxembourg-based associations active in the fight against food loss and waste, would like to encourage collective action across society – from citizens to businesses to institutions. We believe that a national framework could help strengthen these efforts and ensure Luxembourg is aligned with international commitments, while paving the way for a sustainable and fair food system. Luxembourg aims to divide by two food waste by 2030 according to the website of Antigaspi, both in shops and restaurants and by consumers, but it still lacks a clear strategy on how to reach this goal.The website Antigaspi offers practical tips on how to reduce food waste at home: https://antigaspi.lu/rotschlei/