Donation programs for surplus food

The restaurants and caterers in Bergen are working hard to minimize its food waste.

8 out of 10 restaurants/caterers in Bergen have implemented specific actions to reduce their food waste. But what to do with surplus food that can’t be utilized at the event, meeting or in the restaurant?

Photo: Lise Mossestad / Mossestad FotoDesign - Restaurant 1877 

Sell it!

One of the popular measures taken from business in Bergen is participation in the "Too Good To Go" platform . The Platform enables retailers to track, manage and sell surplus food. It provides the users holding the app the opportunity to buy food at a reasonable price. And it provides businesses with an opportunity to regain some of the money originally spent buying the food. Anyone can sign up to buy food via the app, but there are some limits on who is able to sell through the platform. 

Donate it! 

While "Too Good To Go" is primarily aimed at restaurants and caterers, a option to prevent throwing away surplus food from meetings and events is often to donate it. 

There are many options if you want to donate the surplus in Bergen. Matsentralen  is an organization that gathers surplus food and distribute it to non-profit organizations, that in turn donate it to people in need. If your event/conference have a large amount of surplus food, reaching out to Matsentralen might be your best option.

If you have smaller amounts of surplus food contacting some of the non-profit organizations directly is the best option. On this map you can find organizations that you can contact directly to donate surplus food in Bergen.

Please be aware that donated food must follow the same routines to ensure food safety as food that are sold directly to consumers. For example, can food that has been opened and/or have been shared in buffets and likewise typically not be donated. Contact Matsentralen or the non-profit organizations listed on the map to be sure that the food is eligible for donation.