The FOODRUS project has successfully co-created and tested 23 eco-solutions across three pilot programs, all supported by a Social Action initiative designed to engage and empower every actor in the food supply chains (FSCs). As part of this initiative, 180 social actions, including citizen science activities, and over 300 interventions have been carried out. Additionally, a methodology was developed with input from experts and practitioners, using 69 key performance indicators (KPIs) to quantify food loss and waste (FLW).
Some of the key results achieved by the project include the implementation of FLW tracking through three monitoring tools designed for FSCs, HORECA (hospitality, restaurants, and catering), households, and municipalities. The project also established a baseline for tracking FLW, assessed the causes and hotspots, and evaluated the impact by the end of the project. An e-learning platform, featuring 8 modules in five different languages, was also created.
The project placed a strong focus on gender equality, with a gender dimension assessment highlighting the important role women play in reducing FLW. A new municipal ordinance, based on the "Pay As You Throw" (PAYT) model and powered by blockchain, was introduced to incentivize FLW prevention. Citizen science was also leveraged to promote behavioral change, with more than 40% of participants reporting changes in their habits.
Additionally, 8 webinars on sustainable food systems were held to explore innovative business models. The Social Action Module was created, featuring a public dashboard to share best practices and encourage replication. Ten last-mile logistics solutions were implemented, including a refrigerated donation box with potential for broader use. Data-driven cooperative solutions, such as tools for stock optimization, demand prediction, cold chain traceability, and quality prediction, were also developed.
FOODRUS also introduced a FLW prevention certification process using blockchain technology, along with a product traceability tool to raise awareness of the FLW issue. Two briefings on legal instruments and capacity-building strategies were provided to further support these efforts.
All the ICT tools developed were brought together in the FOODRUS Suite, which includes a global dashboard for visualizing KPIs. The project also advanced knowledge in areas such as business expansion opportunities, key messages to engage citizens, factors that influence consumer behavior regarding food waste, and the definition of a Circularity FLW index to measure the sustainability of FLW practices. Moreover, it analyzed legal and economic barriers to FLW prevention and identified causes and potential solutions.
The project worked to strengthen the Community of Practice on FLW through mutual learning and cooperation activities. In terms of outreach, FOODRUS engaged with over 8,000 people through 271 dissemination, communication, and exploitation activities. Additionally, 34 actions were replicated by the associated regions, and 8 roadmaps were developed to guide future efforts.
