Food waste fighter reports surplus food halved in a decade

Surplus food donations during Easter have dropped significantly over the past ten years, according to the Danish anti-food waste organisation Stop Spild Lokalt.

The group distributed 4.5 tonnes of surplus food to around 500 families in Copenhagen on Wednesday evening, with approximately 40 more distributions planned across Denmark on Thursday, Sunday, and Monday. Despite continued donations from supermarkets, the organisation reports that surplus food volumes have nearly halved in the last decade.

Rasmus Erichsen, founder and director of Stop Spild Lokalt, attributes the decline to improved inventory management by retailers.

“Stores have gotten better at ordering the right quantities,” Erichsen said. “They’ve also improved at discounting products and selling them before holidays, which means less food ends up with us.”

Consumer behaviour has also shifted, he noted, with more shoppers now willing to purchase items near or past their sell-by dates—particularly as food prices have risen.

“Higher prices have changed how people shop. Looking for discounted yellow-sticker items has become more acceptable, which also encourages stores to mark down products sooner,” Erichsen explained.

While food waste has decreased, Erichsen acknowledged that surplus food remains abundant. The organisation has expanded its network of partner stores to compensate for smaller volumes.

“The ideal scenario would be no surplus food and no need for it—but we’re not there yet,” he said.

Around 2,000 volunteers are assisting with Easter distributions, ensuring coverage despite reduced quantities. Erichsen expressed confidence that demand would be met, though he noted the organisation would extend collection routes if necessary.

“We’ll go the extra mile to include more stores if we see a shortage,” he said.

The report was first published by DR.