Council Sets a Framework for Canada
The fight against food loss and waste (FLW) calls for a systems approach to change that combines policy and practice.
The National Zero Waste Council has responded with A Food Loss and Waste Strategy for Canada. This guide for collaborative action was developed through extensive consultation with the Canadian agri-food sector, government, community organizations, and international FLW leaders.
Attention is paid to points of production, processing and distribution, where FLW is highest. The Strategy considers the challenges of Canada’s vast geography and sparse population centres, and the links between FLW and climate change.
Recommendation highlights from the report include:
- Increased measurement and monitoring
- Changes to date labelling
- Processing that rethinks food product types, considers packaging needs, and embraces innovative technology
- Removal of barriers to surplus food recovery through gleaning and charitable networks
- Elimination of financial, legal and policy obstacles surrounding food donations
Current Initiatives
Circular Food System - Circular Economy Solution Series
The Council, in collaboration with Our Food Future – Guelph Wellington, and Next Generation Manufacturing Canada (NGen), is seeking circular food system solutions across Canada. We are especially hoping to uncover efforts underway in rural, coastal and Indigenous communities. We are looking for circular solutions that are:
- Seizing new economic opportunities;
- Building local economies and social connections;
- Building food system security and resiliency;
- Eliminating food waste in food processing and manufacturing; and/or
- Influencing behaviour/culture shift and motivating action to drive circular food system transformation.
Do you know an initiative that is contributing to a more circular agriculture and food system in Canada? Get in touch by filling out
this short form.
This research is funded by the
National Zero Waste Council, the
City of Guelph’s Our Food Future and
NGen: Canada’s Advanced Manufacturing Supercluster, and conducted by Smart Prosperity Institute. The solutions uncovered will inform the Circular Economy Solutions Series- Circular Food Systems Track in partnership with
Circular Economy Leadership Canada, a collaborative national initiative exploring how we can design our agricultural supply chain and food systems with circularity in mind to enhance productivity, spur innovation, eliminate waste, reduce GHG emissions, and restore damaged soil and ecosystems. The Canadian solutions identified through the research will support future engagement with value chain and agri-food stakeholders, resulting in an accelerated transition to a circular food system through coordinated and collective action.
Love Food Hate Waste
The Council and core partners lead a national, consumer-facing food waste reduction campaign. Visit
Love Food Hate Waste Canada for simple tips and ideas to help you reduce food waste at home.
