Impact of food waste reduction on food security and sustainability in the European union

Food insecurity persists even in high-income regions such as the European Union (EU), where more than 88 million tons of edible food are wasted annually. This study explores the relationship between food waste reduction and food security within the EU’s sustainability agenda, particularly the European Green Deal. Using a qualitative methodology, including a literature review and secondary data analysis from sources such as Eurostat, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, and Our World in Data, we identify critical drivers of food waste—chiefly at the consumer level—and assess the environmental, economic, and social implications. Our findings indicate that reducing food waste can significantly enhance food availability, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and preserve water and land resources. Interventions such as food banks, cold chain technologies, regulatory reforms, and support for local food systems are effective solutions. The study underscores the need for integrated policy frameworks that align technological innovation, consumer education, and circular economy principles. The study concludes that reducing food waste is not only an environmental priority but also a socioeconomic necessity for ensuring long-term food security, especially despite climate change and supply chain vulnerabilities.