The law against food waste in Italy is known as “Gadda law" in homage to its first signatory, Democratic Party MP Maria Chiara Gadda. The law, passed in 2016, aims to reduce food waste by promoting food donations for social purposes and raising awareness of the importance of reducing waste at the individual and collective levels. The most important innovations introduced by the law are:
- Donations made easier. Restaurants, supermarkets, and producers can donate food that would otherwise be wasted but is still edible. Donations are legally protected, and donors are exempt from legal liability for health problems related to donated food, unless there is intent or gross negligence. This has opened the door to food donations, and today in Milan, for example, over 5 people are receiving food collected through donations provided for by the "Gadda Law."
- Tax deductions. Those who donate food are granted a tax break. Specifically, tax deductions are available for goods donated for charitable purposes. Supermarkets and restaurants are encouraged to collect unsold food and donate it to people in need, thus preventing it from ending up in the garbage.
- The role of municipalities. Local governments can collaborate with associations and nonprofit organizations to promote the distribution of excess food and reduce waste in schools, hospitals, and community cafeterias.
Read also:
- Foodbusters: Volunteers who recover wasted food at events
- How to avoid food waste
- How to Donate Leftover Food at Weddings and Parties
- Don Gualtiero's soup kitchen: Michelin-starred chefs serve the poor.
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