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Sammanfattning

Surplus food redistribution (redirecting unsold but edible food to consumers) is promoted as a dual strategy to reduce food waste and alleviate food insecurity. Social supermarkets (retail-like outlets offering surplus food at reduced prices to low-income consumers) have emerged as a market-based model, offering surplus food at reduced prices to low-income consumers. However, their sustainability impacts remain under-examined, particularly regarding trade-offs between environmental and social outcomes. This study assessed seven social supermarkets in Stockholm, Sweden, using three methods: (1) life cycle assessment to estimate climate impacts, including substitution and rebound effects (emissions from re-spending savings); (2) nutrient calculations to evaluate the nutritional quality of redistributed food; and (3) customer surveys to explore experiences of food security, autonomy, and food waste behaviours. Based on full-year primary data, potential climate savings were 2.57 kg CO2e/FU, of which 90 % was offset by rebound effects, reducing the net savings to 0.27 kg CO2e/FU. The food was nutritionally balanced and high in dietary fibre (3 g/MJ), and vitamin C (13 mg/MJ), while low in added sugar. Customers valued autonomy and choice, suggesting a potential trade-off between consumer agency and environmental performance. While social supermarkets supported climate mitigation and food access, their distinguishing value lies in combining these functions with enhanced autonomy and nutritionally balanced food. To build on these strengths and address the identified trade-offs, policies should link food waste prevention with social welfare measures, ensuring realistic climate benefits while improving equitable food access.

Nyckelord

Food waste; Surplus food redistribution; Life cycle assessment; Rebound effect; Social impact; Nutrition

Publicerad i

Journal of Cleaner Production
2025, volym: 531, artikelnummer: 146950

SLU författare

UKÄ forskningsämne

Miljöekonomi och förvaltning

Publikationens identifierare

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2025.146950

Permanent länk till denna sida (URI)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/144456