Highlights of the Food Waste Free Week 2026

From 7 to 13 September, Food Waste Free United, the Netherlands Nutrition Centre and more than 285 organisations and initiatives across the country inspired people in the Netherlands to go a whole week without wasting food. There were many activities and awareness campaigns nationwide. Businesses, municipalities, civil society organisations, schools and consumers showed that together we really can make a difference, and why it matters to be mindful about our food. The highlight was more than 50 Food Waste Free Tables across the Netherlands, where government bodies, businesses and residents sat down together to talk about the food system over a meal of rescued food.

We saw some wonderful initiatives. Here are a few highlights:

• More than 285 partners took part

• Over 400 media items appeared, including on RTL Nieuws, in the AD and De Telegraaf, and on the podcasts Etenstijd and Alledaagse vragen

• More than 50 Waste-Free Tables across the Netherlands

• The Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Nature led by example with their waste-free approach and activities

• Supermarkets inspired their customers through their magazines, on social media, in store and by handing out tools

• Food brands large and small communicated widely through social media, LinkedIn and newsletters

• National caterers rolled out waste-free dishes, tastings and campaigns at hundreds of locations, among other things

• From primary school to university, thousands of pupils and students got involved

• Around 70 municipalities, provinces and waste management companies organised activities for residents and staff

• Lots of local activities, from waste-free cooking workshops to food-sharing events

Download the overview