Food Waste Reforms Could Boost Food Security In Ukraine

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A new study published in the British Food Journal suggests that improving food waste management in Ukraine's retail and hospitality sectors could help strengthen food security in the country. The research, conducted by the University of Portsmouth and Odesa Polytechnic National University, found that many Ukrainian food retailers and hospitality businesses currently manage food waste through informal "common sense" practices rather than structured management systems, indicating significant potential for improvement.

Why it matters

Ukraine's economy relies heavily on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which account for almost all businesses nationwide. Researchers say improving food waste management among these firms could have a significant social impact, ensuring more edible food reaches people who need it, particularly in a country facing economic pressures and disruption caused by conflict.

The details

The study highlighted the influence of social expectations on business behavior, finding that food retailers and hospitality firms were more likely to introduce food waste prevention measures when they perceived stronger societal pressure to act. Managers' own attitudes towards environmental impacts also played an important role. While many SMEs reported taking steps to manage food waste, these actions often focused on reducing or treating waste rather than preventing waste in the first place. The researchers suggest that prevention measures such as improved stock management, better forecasting systems and stronger redistribution networks for surplus food could deliver greater environmental and social benefits.

• The research was published this week.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The researchers suggest that strengthening systems for redistributing edible surplus food could help support communities in Ukraine facing limited access to food during the current period of national strain.