Spain’s new anti-waste law: a lever for food aid
In April 2025, Spain passed Law 1/2025 on the prevention of food loss and waste. Beyond its environmental objectives, this law represents a major transformation for the country’s food aid structures.
Food donations become a legal priority
Legislation now requires companies in the agri-food chain to give priority to donating surplus food to social organizations before using it for other purposes. This measure will give new impetus to food banks, social canteens and NGOs, which will have greater access to previously wasted resources.
In addition, the law simplifies administrative procedures and encourages collaboration between the private sector and solidarity structures.
Between opportunity and adaptation
For those involved in food aid, this law is a unique opportunity to increase their capacity for action. However, it also implies major adaptations: we’ll have to handle more volume, ensure compliance with health standards and improve logistics.
Support needed: training and resources
The success of this reform will largely depend on institutional support. This includes adequate public funding, training for volunteers, and a strengthening of storage and distribution infrastructures.
Towards more stable and sustainable food aid
In the future, this law could help build a more stable, less random food aid system, better integrated into an overall policy to combat poverty and promote sustainability. Rigorous implementation will be the key to turning this ambition into a social reality.
