Food Waste in Taiwan

Food waste is not only about what ends up in the bin. It is also about the land, water, energy, labour, storage and transportation used to produce food that is never fully utilised.

At the same time, millions of people around the world continue to experience hunger and food insecurity. Reducing waste and improving food redistribution are therefore closely connected social and environmental challenges.

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Suggested content: Food recovery, surplus food sorting, food redistribution or food bank operations

Suggested ratio: 16:9

Taiwan's food waste challenge

According to Taiwan's Ministry of Environment, general and business-sector food waste amounted to approximately 772,000 metric tons in 2024.

This figure refers to officially recorded food waste generated through Taiwan's waste management system. It should not be interpreted as the amount of edible food wasted, because the category also includes other forms of food and kitchen waste.

The figure nevertheless highlights the importance of preventing waste at its source and improving how food resources are managed and reused.

772,000 metric tons

General and business-sector food waste recorded in Taiwan in 2024

Source: Ministry of Environment, Taiwan.

A global challenge

1.05 billion metric tons

Food wasted globally at household, food service and retail levels in 2022

19%

Share of food available to consumers that was wasted

According to the United Nations Environment Programme's Food Waste Index Report 2024, approximately 1.05 billion metric tons of food were wasted globally in 2022 at household, food service and retail levels.

This represented about 19% of all food available to consumers.

Hunger still affects hundreds of millions

645 million people

7.8% of the global population

The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 2026 estimates that approximately 645 million people experienced hunger in 2025, equivalent to 7.8% of the global population.

Although global hunger has declined for three consecutive years, progress remains uneven across regions.

Food waste is also a climate issue

8-10%

Estimated share of global greenhouse gas emissions associated with food loss and waste

When food is lost or wasted, the resources used to produce, process, package, store and transport it are also wasted.

Food loss and waste are estimated to account for 8-10% of global greenhouse gas emissions, making food waste reduction an important part of climate action.

How food banking helps

Food banks help bridge the gap between available resources and unmet social needs.

Taiwan People's Food Bank Association works with donors, businesses and social welfare organisations to assess, record, match and redistribute safe food and daily necessities.

Through structured food safety procedures, inventory management, logistics and partner networks, usable resources can reach frontline services instead of being unnecessarily discarded.

No Waste, No Hunger

Reducing food waste requires action across the entire food system.

Individuals can plan purchases and store food carefully. Businesses can improve inventory management and redirect suitable surplus products. Communities and nonprofit organisations can strengthen redistribution systems.

Together, these actions help extend the value of food and other resources while supporting people and communities in need.

Sources

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, SOFI 2026

United Nations Environment Programme, Food Waste Index Report 2024

Ministry of Environment, Taiwan