Foodsharing

Foodsharing is a practice in which individuals, communities, and organizations distribute or exchange surplus edible food that would otherwise be discarded. Activities can include collecting surplus from households, supermarkets, or events; distributing it through mutual-aid networks, community fridges, potlucks, or online platforms. The aim is to reduce food waste while increasing access to affordable or free food.

Origins of foodsharing lie in anti-waste and mutual-aid movements in Europe during the late 20th and early 21st centuries. It gained broader visibility with national and regional networks in countries such as Germany and the Netherlands and later spread to other regions through volunteer-led groups and online apps that connect donors with recipients.

Typical practices include voluntary donation of edible items, organized 'rescues' of unsold or surplus goods, and scheduled sharing events. Participants may sort, label, and refrigerate items to meet safety standards. Some areas operate community fridges or shelves in public spaces, while others coordinate via apps or social media.

Legal and regulatory considerations vary by country and city. Food donations can raise liability and food-safety concerns, while some jurisdictions encourage or require supermarkets and bakeries to donate surplus. Community fridges and sharing events often operate under local permits or guidelines to ensure hygiene and access.

Proponents cite reduced waste, lower household costs, enhanced neighborhood ties, and opportunities for volunteers. Critics point to food-safety risks, storage limitations, logistics demands, and uneven access. Critics also note that reliance on informal networks may not address systemic causes of food insecurity.

Notable platforms and networks include local foodsharing initiatives, and apps that facilitate neighbor-to-neighbor sharing; examples vary by country. OLIO is a widely used platform for neighborhood food sharing in multiple regions.