Food loss and waste is a pressing global issue, and the Pomurje region is no exception. As part of our More than a Village project, our partner, ITC – Innovation Technology Cluster Murska Sobota is launching a pilot action dedicated to reducing food loss and waste while fostering a more sustainable and efficient food system. Through targeted activities, stakeholder engagement, and digital solutions, we aim to drive positive change in how surplus food is managed.
Why is this pilot important?
Every year, significant amounts of food go to waste, despite being perfectly edible and suitable for redistribution. Addressing this challenge requires collaboration across the entire food value chain—from farmers and food producers to retailers, consumers, and policymakers. Our pilot action in Pomurje seeks to bridge the gap between food surplus and potential consumers by implementing concrete solutions to prevent waste and optimize resource use.
Key activities of the pilot
To ensure an impactful and sustainable approach, we have designed three core activities:
1. Raising awareness and stakeholder engagement
Awareness is the first step toward action. That’s why we are:
- Organizing two regional workshops and two promotional events to engage key stakeholders
- Running a promotional campaign across our website, Facebook, and LinkedIn to highlight the importance of FLW reduction
2. Surplus food marketplace
To facilitate better food redistribution, we are:
- Redeveloping an online marketplace for surplus food
- Promoting the marketplace via social media and dedicated events
- Organizing three training sessions to ensure effective use of the platform
3. Booklet on food loss and waste in Slovenia
A key part of our initiative is research-based policymaking. We are:
- Conducting an in-depth analysis of FLW and regulatory challenges in Slovenia.
- Identifying best practices from Slovenia and Central Europe.
- Developing policy recommendations and funding opportunities for future initiatives.
- Publishing a comprehensive booklet in English to support knowledge-sharing and further action.