**Food Connect App Launched to Tackle Food Surplus in Cyprus**
A new initiative aimed at reducing food waste has been introduced in Cyprus with the launch of the Food Connect app. Announced by Friends of the Earth Cyprus on Wednesday, the platform serves as a digital link between businesses that have surplus food and charities, as well as the general public. This initiative is part of a broader effort under the European Life project to address the pressing issue of food waste in the region.
The Food Connect app, which is available for free on both Android and iPhone, allows businesses such as hotels, restaurants, bakeries, supermarkets, and food producers to donate edible food that is no longer sellable but still safe for consumption. By doing so, these businesses can prevent surplus food from being discarded, thereby contributing to a reduction in food waste.
Users of the app can register to reserve and collect food directly from participating businesses. Donors input their available items online, and recipients receive notifications through the app, enabling them to reserve donations at no cost. This streamlined process aims to facilitate food donation, making it easier for those in need to access nutritious meals while simultaneously addressing the significant issue of food waste.
Cyprus currently faces a critical challenge regarding food waste, with Eurostat reporting that the island has the highest food waste per capita in the European Union, at approximately 286 kilograms per person annually. Friends of the Earth Cyprus has highlighted the environmental, economic, and social implications of this waste. Discarding food not only squanders valuable resources such as water, energy, and land but also contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, exacerbating climate change.
The launch of Food Connect is seen as a vital step towards preventing edible food waste and supporting individuals experiencing financial hardship. Friends of the Earth Cyprus has emphasized that every donation made through the app can significantly reduce waste and ensure that food reaches those who need it most.
In addition to its local impact, Food Connect is part of a larger initiative that operates in other countries, including Malta and Portugal, under the EU-funded Life programme. The app serves as a model for potential broader adoption across Europe, with the goal of strengthening food donation systems and promoting a more sustainable food chain.
Businesses with surplus food are encouraged to register on the platform, while eligible organizations and individuals can download the app to become part of the network. By fostering collaboration among businesses, charities, public authorities, and communities, Food Connect aims to create a more efficient and effective system for food donation.
The launch of this app represents a significant effort to tackle the dual challenges of food waste and food insecurity in Cyprus. As the platform gains traction, it is hoped that it will inspire similar initiatives in other regions, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable and equitable food system across Europe.