Editor’s Note: Food waste isn’t just a Canadian problem – it’s a global issue with devastating impacts on climate change and hunger. All over the world, countries struggle to ensure good food ends up on plates instead of landfills, and many have developed unique strategies to face this crisis head-on.
In this series of articles, The Harvest Journal will explore food waste policies around the world and highlight what different countries are doing to prevent and reduce waste, build more sustainable and resilient food systems, protect our planet and finally put an end to food waste. We previously covered Japan, Finland, Korea and France.
In recent years, the Danish government, businesses and communities have come together to implement initiatives to create a more sustainable future. Between 2010 and 2015, it reduced its food waste by 25%, valued at about 4.4 billion DDK. This success is largely attributable to changing consumer habits. Here’s how the country did it.
Public and private initiatives
At the forefront of Denmark’s food waste revolution is the movement Stop Spild Af Mad, which translates to “Stop Wasting Food.” Founded by activist Selina Juul in 2008, this non-profit organization has played a pivotal role in raising awareness about food waste and promoting practical solutions. Through campaigns, educational programs and collaborations with businesses, Stop Spild Af Mad has encouraged individuals and companies to take responsibility for their consumption habits.
This movement is supported by Danish consumers, Members of the European Parliament, Members of Danish Parliament, top Danish chefs, and food personalities. The Danish Consumer Council has also initiated a campaign to increase consumer awareness of food waste.
To foster collaboration between the private and public sectors, the Danish Ministry of the Environment established a voluntary “Initiative Group Against Food Waste” in 2011. This laid the groundwork for the “Charter on Less Food Waste,” signed by 19 major stakeholders affirming their commitment.
Innovative retail practices
In 2016, non-profit organization Folkekirkens Nødhjælp (DanChurchAid) launched WeFood, Denmark’s first surplus food supermarket. The concept is simple yet effective. The store collects surplus food from supermarkets, farmers and other suppliers that would otherwise go to waste due to cosmetic imperfections, short shelf life, or overproduction. Customers can then purchase these perfectly edible items at about 30 to 50% lower than the original price. From one location in Copenhagen, there are now 6 WeFood stores all across Denmark.
Also in 2016, the Danish tech startup “Too Good To Go” launched a mobile app aimed at connecting consumers with businesses to rescue surplus food at the end of the day. The app allows restaurants, bakeries, and grocery stores to sell unsold, but still fresh and quality food at a discounted price, preventing it from being discarded. It’s currently available in 17 countries, including Canada.
Danish supermarkets, warehouses and mini-markets create 45,676 tonnes of food waste per year, and several have begun to look for ways to curb this. For example, Supermarket chains REMA 1000, Coop and LIDL no longer offer quantity discounts to prevent people from buying more than they need. Since bread is often the largest source of food waste (about 29,000 tonnes of bread and cakes are thrown away every year), REMA 1000 reduces the size of its house-brand bread by 40 to 50%, which in turn lowers its price.
By addressing food waste from multiple angles – awareness campaigns, collaborative partnerships, and technological solutions – Denmark serves as an inspiring example for other countries seeking effective strategies to reduce food waste and build a more sustainable future.
The Second Harvest Sweepstakes, presented by Moneris, is back from February 6 to March 7, 2024. Each ticket purchase not only places participants in the running for great prizes but also supports Second Harvest’s food rescue and redistribution efforts.
Last year’s line-up included 16 prizes, ranging from luxury resort stays to state-of-the-art household appliances. We reached out to two winners and asked them to share their experiences with the prizes they won.
Two lower bowl tickets to watch the Toronto Raptors as they took on the Milwaukee Bucks on Sunday, April 9, 2023 for the last home game of the season. Package also included a two-night stay at the Residence Inn Toronto Downtown/Entertainment District, and a $1,000 CAD prepaid credit card to assist with travel expenses.
Courtesy of: MLSE, Easton’s Group of Hotels, and Anonymous | Value: $2,800.00
What prize did you want to win when you bought the tickets?
Honestly, I wasn’t looking at the prizes to be won. I was just interested in donating to the cause.
How did you feel when you won this prize?
I was so surprised to hear that I had won the prize, so it was very exciting.
How was the game?
My husband and I found the game very exciting and entertaining with lots going on in between times. Our seats were amazing! It was a lot of fun to experience the atmosphere of the game.
How was the stay at the Residence Inn Toronto? What did you like most about your stay there?
It was our first time staying at a Residence Inn and as our experience was positive, we have since stayed at another Residence Inn on a subsequent trip to another city. The hotel was very comfortable and convenient to ScotiaBank Arena. The room included a full hot breakfast which was definitely a bonus!
What did you do during your trip in Toronto? What was the highlight of this trip?
We were able to visit and spend some time with our daughter who lives in Toronto. The highlight of the trip really was the experience of watching an NBA game. It was a wonderful treat to get away for a few days with all expenses paid.
Patricia Davies
2023 Prize: Vancouver Canucks Experience
Two lower bowl seats to watch the Canucks play at their home rink in Vancouver B.C. in the 2023/2024 season. Package also included two Canucks Jerseys, a two-night stay at the JW Marriott Parq Vancouver, and a $1,000 CAD prepaid credit card to assist with travel expenses.
Courtesy of The Aquilini Beverage Group and Anonymous | Value: $3,110.00
What prize did you want to win when you bought the tickets?
The prize I hope to win was the one to Vancouver for the Canucks. My family lives in Victoria. And I would have loved to have taken them to see the Canucks.
How did you feel when you won this prize?
I never expected to get it. When I saw them all, I thought “Oh, those are all nice. Wouldn’t it be nice if I got this one?” And then I forgot about it completely.
How was the game?
I took my son and my two grandsons. The game was excellent. The Canucks won. Everything was just perfect.
How was the stay at the hotel? What did you like most about your stay there?
The hotel was beautiful. The room was huge and excellent. We even used the hot tub in the outdoor area. We ordered appetizers and drinks from the hotel’s deli. It was a very, very nice day.
What did you do during your trip in Vancouver? What was the highlight of this trip?
Because it was close to Halloween, we visited many costume shops to see if we could get costumes for the boys, which we did. I bought them their Halloween costumes with the $1,000 Visa card. The highlight of this trip was definitely the game.
While one-time donations undoubtedly contribute to a cause you support, there is a growing recognition of the unique and transformative power that monthly donors hold. The decision to become a monthly donor is a commitment that goes beyond mere financial support – it represents hope and a determination to make a positive change.
Here’s why you should consider becoming a monthly donor to a charity organization.
Consistent and larger impact
Monthly donors provide a steady and reliable stream of income for the charity. This allows the organization to plan and implement long-term projects with greater confidence, knowing they have a stable source of funding. Since processing monthly donations typically involves less administrative work compared to individual one-time donations, more of your money goes directly to the cause.
Convenience
Monthly donations are often set up as automatic transactions, making it convenient for donors. You don’t have to remember to make a donation each month, and it’s also easier on your budget. Regular contributions can be easier to track for tax purposes, and you can be eligible for tax deductions for charitable giving.
On the other hand, you’ll have the flexibility to change or pause your contributions if your financial circumstances change.
Deeper engagement with the cause
Many charities offer special perks or exclusive updates to their monthly donors. At Second Harvest, this can include newsletters, impact reports, or even invitations to special events.
By joining our community of monthly donors, the Heart of the Harvest, you can witness the tangible impact of your contributions unfolding over time, actively participating in the real-world changes you help bring about. This connection generates profound fulfillment, cultivating a sense of shared purpose and satisfaction in the knowledge that your contributions are making a lasting difference.
In a world where sustainability is increasingly becoming a top priority, addressing the issue of food waste at the household level is an important step towards a more environmentally friendly lifestyle. One effective way to approach this challenge is by setting SMART goals – Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.
Let’s explore how to make food waste reduction in your household a SMART goal.
Specific
To make your goal specific, clearly define what aspect of food waste reduction you want to address. Instead of a vague goal like “reduce food waste,” specify whether you want to focus on reducing kitchen scraps, unused groceries or leftovers. For example, your specific goal could be, “Reduce kitchen scraps by composting and recycling organic waste.” or “Making sure all items on my groceries list find a use.”
Measurable
Establish measurable criteria to track your progress. Without measurable targets, it’s challenging to gauge whether you’re making a significant impact. Consider quantifiable metrics, such as the percentage reduction in food thrown away. For instance, “Decrease weekly food waste by 25% within the next two months.” or “Complete a food waste audit.”
Achievable
Ensure that your goal is realistic and attainable. Setting overly ambitious goals may lead to frustration and discouragement. Assess your household’s current practices, available resources and your commitment level. If you currently waste a significant amount of food, a more achievable goal might be, “Gradually decrease food waste by 10% each month.”
Relevant
Make sure your goal aligns with your overall commitment to sustainability and your household’s priorities. If composting aligns with your values, make that a central part of your goal. For instance, “Incorporate composting into our daily routine to align with our commitment to environmental stewardship.”
Time-bound
Set a realistic timeframe for achieving your goal. This creates a sense of urgency and helps you stay focused. Without a deadline, it’s easy to procrastinate. An example of a time-bound goal could be, “Implement a comprehensive food waste reduction plan over the next three months, with monthly progress assessments.”
By turning food waste reduction into a SMART goal, you’re not only making a commitment but also creating a roadmap for sustainable lifestyle. Remember that small, consistent changes can lead to significant improvements over time. Monitor your progress regularly, celebrate achievements and adjust your approach as needed.
As we approach the final days of 2023, the clock is ticking, and the deadline for eligible charitable donation tax credits is just around the corner on December 31. Beyond the impact on the community, there’s a personal benefit to your end-of-year generosity. By donating to Second Harvest before December 31, you not only help those in need but also receive a tax receipt for your donation to reduce the amount of tax you owe.
What are eligible donations?
The first step is understanding what is considered an eligible donation. In Canada, only contributions made to registered charities qualify for these credits. It’s important to verify the charitable status of an organization before making a donation to ensure it complies with the requirements set by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). Donors can easily check an organization’s charitable status on the CRA website or contact them directly.
Eligible donations include but not limited to:
Financial donations to registered charities.
Donations of assets such as property, stocks, bonds, works of art etc.
Tickets to charitable dinners and events.
How are charitable tax credits calculated?
The charitable tax credit is a two-tiered system. Donors receive a federal tax credit and, in provinces that collect income tax, an additional provincial tax credit. The credit is calculated as a percentage of the donation, with the first $200 eligible for a lower rate and any amount exceeding $200 eligible for a higher rate.
Charitable tax credits are non-refundable, meaning you must claim your other credits first. If that amount is sufficient to bring your tax payable to zero, you can carry forward unused charitable tax credits for up to five years. This flexibility allows individuals to maximize their tax benefits over time.
How do I claim the tax credits?
To claim charitable tax credits, you must obtain an official donation receipt from the charity. This receipt serves as proof of the donation and includes essential details such as the name and address of the charity, the amount donated, and the date of the contribution.
Second Harvest’s online donation platform ensures a seamless process, and you’ll receive your tax receipt via email within minutes. It’s a hassle-free way to give back and support the vision of a hunger-free future.
Double your impact this holiday season
We are thrilled to announce that our long-time supporter, The Nikita Foundation, is generously matching donations until the end of the year. That means your $1 donation becomes a powerful force that helps provide over 6 meals for those in need.
BONUS Tips: If you donate financial assets like stocks or bonds that have appreciated in value, there is no capital gains tax on the gift. You can claim your credit for both the principal and the gain.
The material listed above is intended to provide general information and should not be construed as legal or other professional advice. The above should not be used without first reviewing it with your own legal or other professional advisors to determine its suitability for your unique estate planning situation.
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