Across the Alpine region and beyond, individuals, communities, and businesses are increasingly affected by the hidden but urgent problem of food waste. From local farmers who lose value on unsold crops, to hospitality providers dealing with expensive disposal of surplus meals, to consumers disconnected from the environmental impact of their daily choices - food waste touches us all. Valuable resources such as energy, water, and labour are wasted along the entire food supply chain. Meanwhile, those who could benefit from leftover or surplus food often remain underserved.

If we continue business as usual, the costs will multiply: food waste will keep fueling greenhouse gas emissions, fragile local food systems will miss opportunities to become more resilient, and economic potential locked in waste streams will remain untapped. But if we shift our mindset and practices toward reuse, redistribution, and circular food models, we can reduce waste, generate new value, and build more sustainable, community-rooted food chains.

Now is the time to act. New EU regulations, public awareness, good practices and tested local solutions in the Interreg Alpine Space project "CEFoodCycle" show that change is both necessary and possible. Every consumer choice counts. By taking a stand together we signal that we are ready to transform how we handle food, starting today. Sign our pledge!