On Wednesday, March 11, the Ukrainian Food Banks Federation signed a Memorandum of Cooperation with the Ministry of Economy, Environment and Agriculture of Ukraine.

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The purpose of the partnership is to combat food waste and to develop the food banking system in Ukraine. On behalf of UFBF, the document was signed by Chairman of the Board Dmytro Shkrabatovskyi, while Deputy Minister Taras Vysotskyi signed on behalf of the Ministry. Bernard Valluis, President of the European Food Banks Federation (FEBA), also joined the meeting online.

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Within the framework of cooperation, the parties agreed to work systematically on legislative changes. Following the example of European countries, these changes are expected to introduce incentives for producers and retailers who donate food to food banks, as well as penalties for the disposal of food that is still fit for consumption.

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Taras Vysotskyi noted that UFBF’s initiatives have already been accepted for consideration. After review by профиль departments and other government bodies, the draft law is planned to be presented for discussion with stakeholders in early April.

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Each year, more than 2.7 million tonnes of food are disposed of in Ukraine, while 12.7 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance. The proposed legislation aims to become a solution that will significantly help address this issue.

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We thank the Ministry of Economy, Environment and Agriculture, and personally Taras Vysotskyi, for their openness to dialogue and willingness to cooperate. We are also sincerely grateful to FEBA and, in particular, Bernard Valluis for their continued support. We would also like to thank Ukrainian media outlets for their interest in the topic and for helping to cover this event.

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The Ukrainian Food Banks Federation remains open to dialogue regarding the draft law with businesses, media, and all interested stakeholders.

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