Russia Proposes 'Social Shelves' to Fight Food Waste, Aiding Millions

A new bill submitted to the State Duma by the 'Fair Russia - For Truth' faction aims to tackle food waste in Russia by introducing 'social shelves'. These shelves would allow stores to display products nearing expiration for free, intended for socially vulnerable citizens. If approved, this initiative could potentially feed around 30 million people with discarded products annually.

The proposal, if implemented, would require comprehensive discussion with business communities and may initially be tested in a pilot mode in certain regions. The initiative targets the estimated annual volume of 17 million tons of food waste, valued at over 1.5 trillion rubles in Russia.

The bill has sparked debate among trading sector representatives, who have raised concerns about tax reporting, VAT compensation, and product safety. To encourage businesses to participate, the authors propose increasing the limits of expenses that can be directed to charity from 1% to 5% of revenue. Citizens can access these products by presenting documents proving their needy status, such as a pension card.

In Germany, a similar practice of 'social shelves' (soziale Regale) is encouraged but not legally mandated. Companies offer products close to expiration to reduce waste and support social causes, often in cooperation with food banks and charitable organizations. The focus is on food safety and consumer protection, ensuring products are still safe for consumption.

The 'social shelves' bill, if approved, could significantly reduce food waste in Russia and provide much-needed support to socially vulnerable citizens. However, it will require careful consideration and cooperation between the government, businesses, and charitable organizations to ensure its success.