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The 4th Food Banking Summit, hosted by the Basic Needs Association (TİDER) on Wednesday, February 7, 2024, at Beykoz University, discussed the most critical issues threatening "Food Security and Fair Access to Food," especially during disaster periods. The summit, which shared experiences of "food banking" implemented in over 50 countries worldwide, also brought warnings from experts. Hande Tibuk, President of TİDER, emphasized the importance of informing local governments about food banking; Aziz Akgül, President of the Turkey Waste Prevention Foundation, said, "Preventing food waste is possible with the Food Banking Law."

TURKEY- Experts indicate that waste, causing an economic loss of 1 trillion dollars annually worldwide, is increasingly accelerating the climate crisis through agricultural-food wastes.

In Turkey, approximately 20 million tons of food waste, valued at 14 billion dollars, occurs annually. With 61% of food waste stemming from household waste, changing consumer consciousness and consumption habits become crucial.

"The 4th Food Banking Summit," hosted by the Basic Needs Association (TİDER), the sole representative of The Global FoodBanking Network in Turkey, was held in Istanbul on the first anniversary of the February 6 earthquakes. National and international experts gathered at the summit, sponsored by Denizbank as the main sponsor and Net Holding as the gold sponsor, at Beykoz University on February 7, Wednesday. They discussed topics like "Disasters and Food Banking and Food Waste," "Agricultural Production and Food: Becoming self-sufficient again," and "Food Security and Fair Access to Food," offering solutions. Av. M. Belma Satır, the Executive Board President of TOGEMDER (24, 25, 26, 27th term deputy), emphasized in her opening speech that access to food is the most fundamental human right, highlighting the responsibility towards people and society demonstrated by the efforts in the earthquake zone.

Explaining food banking

Hande Tibuk, President of the Board of Directors of the Basic Needs Association (TİDER), shared that TİDER, the umbrella organization for food banking in Turkey and a founding member of the Disaster Platform, "organizes very quickly after disasters. We explain food banking to local governments. In 2023, we reached 68 food banks in 37 provinces. Our number of donor institutions reached 143 in 2023."

More volunteers needed

Chef Ebru Baybara Demir mentioned the ongoing need for "healthy and safe food access" in the earthquake zone, highlighting the upcoming Ramadan and the need for more volunteers for ongoing efforts in the earthquake area.

Gabriela A. Kafarhire, sharing experiences from The Global FoodBanking Network, noted that the summit, held a year after the devastating earthquakes of February 6, proves the strength of the Turkish people. Kafarhire stated, "Emergency response, although not usually part of a food bank's daily operations, crises like the earthquakes that hit Turkey a year ago show the critical role food banks play in supporting communities. TİDER, a founder of the Disaster Platform and the sole representative and member of The Global FoodBanking Network in Turkey, immediately coordinated a response with other humanitarian organizations to mobilize food and critical supplies, continuing their work in the region since then."

Ryan Harty, Andy Du Plessis, and James Leyson, representing food banks from Germany, South Africa, and Thailand, respectively, highlighted that most food losses and waste occur during processing and consumption stages. Reducing waste also contributes to decreasing CO2 emissions and mitigating climate crisis effects.

Speakers emphasized that food banks serve as a link between surplus food and those facing access issues, stating that last year, food banks within the Global FoodBanking Network in over 50 countries reached 32 million people, distributing 651 million kilograms of food. Presenters shared examples from their countries, underlining the importance of addressing disruptions in the global food system and the urgent need to reach millions facing hunger.

A food banking law is needed

Aziz Akgül, President of the Turkey Waste Prevention Foundation, highlighted the need for legislation to prevent food waste, stating, "A law that holds retailers, wholesalers, and producers accountable can ensure that healthy foods reach food banks. This way, food banks can access healthy and safe food while taking a significant step in addressing food waste."

Strategies for five products

Dr. Rüştü Bozkurt, a columnist for How Economy Newspaper, emphasized the need for a change in our perspective towards soil and agriculture, suggesting that strategies should be developed primarily for grains (wheat and derivatives), legumes, onions, potatoes, oilseeds, and sugar.

System is key for outcomes

Dr. İbrahim Sani Özdemir, representative of TÜBİTAK-MAM Food Group, stressed the importance of a systemic approach in preventing food losses. Solutions developed outside a system are like a drop in the ocean, and efforts go unrewarded without a system-wide perspective.

Consumers must know new technologies

Aylin Met, Food R&D Leader at Arçelik, shared that Arçelik has been focusing on "food preservation" in refrigerators since the 2000s, emphasizing energy efficiency without compromising food structure. Met highlighted the importance of consumer behaviors alongside manufacturers.

Technology usage reduces waste

Semra Sevinç, Director of the Sustainability Academy Turkey, shared that 1 trillion dollars worth of waste is generated annually worldwide, with Turkey producing 14 billion dollars worth of 20 million tons of food waste each year.

Tülin Akın, Founder of Tabit Smart Technologies, mentioned a 70% water waste in agriculture, stating that technology usage reduces waste. Logistics remain a challenge, with much work to be done.

Agricultural R&D incentives needed

Yasemin Kireç, CEO of Anadolu Grasslands, emphasized the importance of restoration before sustainability in agriculture, advocating for a holistic approach and strong supply chains.

Selda Susal Saatçi, Group Corporate Communication and Relations Director at Anadolu Efes, highlighted the importance of R&D in agriculture, sharing their efforts in this area. Saatçi discussed the significance of a circular economy and incentives, mentioning the annual production of 40 million tons of malt by-product transformed into malt fiber and the provision of sustainable farming training to farmers nationwide, aiming to raise awareness.

The summit concluded with the presentation of appreciation plaques to Cargill Turkey for the highest monetary (cash) support and Danone Turkey for the highest tonnage donation (in-kind) to the Basic Needs Association over the past year.