How the COVID-19 Pandemic Has Impacted Food Loss and Waste: Lessons Learned and Future Challenges

Abstract

The present paper aims to review and assess the impact of the COVID-19 lockdown on food loss and waste (FLW), evaluating the environmental, social, nutritional, and economic repercussions, as well as the challenges addressed by the food sector and the recovery strategies. The main outcomes reveal that the major challenges reside in mobility restrictions, labor and products shortage along the supply chain, and the management of an important amount of household FLW. Measures such as secondary feeding strategies, alternative distribution channels, and e-commerce stand out in achieving a more sustainable and resilient food system.

Keywords

• food loss and waste (FLW)
• nutritional impact
• FLW cost
• food supply chain (FSC)
• environmental impact
• GHG emissions