Food Banks against Climate Change, a Solution That Works: A Case Study in Navarra, Spain

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Climate Change Studies
• Food Systems Analysis

Background:

• Global food waste generates substantial greenhouse gas emissions (4.4 Gt CO2e annually).
• Food banks play a crucial role in mitigating food waste and its environmental impact.
• The Food Bank of Navarra (FBN) diverts approximately 3000 tons of food from waste each year.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the carbon footprint of the Food Bank of Navarra's operations.
• To quantify the greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reductions achieved by the FBN.
• To compare GHG emissions with and without the FBN's food waste reduction activities.

Main Methods:

• Carbon footprint analysis using life cycle assessment principles.
• Quantification of GHG emissions in two distinct scenarios: 'with FBN' and 'without FBN'.
• Data collection and analysis conducted over two separate years for robust findings.

Main Results:

• The FBN's operational carbon footprint was 147 t CO2e in 2018.
• Without the FBN, an estimated 4715 t CO2e would have been emitted.
• Consistent results across years highlight significant, ongoing GHG emission reductions.

Conclusions:

• The FBN provides substantial environmental benefits by significantly reducing GHG emissions.
• The food bank's activities are vital for climate change mitigation, complementing its social mission.
• Quantifying these benefits can support policy integration for climate neutrality goals.