MISSÃO CONTINENTE DISTRIBUTES OVER 21 MILLION EUROS IN FOOD SURPLUS
In 2021, Missão Continente reused the equivalent of 21.4 million euros of food products through its store surplus redistribution program. Around 19.2 million euros in food surpluses were donated to a group of 1,448 institutions across the country: 17.4 million euros went to 1,078 social solidarity institutions and 1.7 million euros donated to 370 animal support associations. Donations from Continente stores, which take place throughout the year all over the country, increased by 39.1% and reached over 370 institutions compared to 2020.
In addition to the donations to those institutions, the company also makes these food items available to employees, through Sonae MC’s stores and warehouses’ social areas, which, last year, represented the reuse of 2.2 million euros in food products.
Donated items are considered surplus when they lose their commercial character, but preserve all the necessary conditions for safe consumption. Donating these allows for avoiding food waste in a circular economy logic. These include fresh products such as fruit, grocery and bakery items, among other food products.
“Our quick ability to outflow products has allowed, on the one hand, to prevent many tonnes of food products from becoming waste and, on the other hand, to support a significant number of institutions and families with food products that are in excellent consumption conditions. We are aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, as we firmly address several of them, as is the example of the fight to eradicate hunger and poverty or the promotion of more conscious and sustainable consumption. Missão Continente is aware of its responsibility as an active agent in creating a positive impact on the communities it supports” explains Nádia Reis, Director of Communication and Social Responsibility at Continente.
Missão Continente represents Continente’s social responsibility initiatives, such as Community Support, Inclusive Development and Environmental Citizenship, with the aim of contributing to a more sustainable future. Its axes of action are: Food, People and Planet.
In addition to the donations to those institutions, the company also makes these food items available to employees, through Sonae MC’s stores and warehouses’ social areas, which, last year, represented the reuse of 2.2 million euros in food products.
Donated items are considered surplus when they lose their commercial character, but preserve all the necessary conditions for safe consumption. Donating these allows for avoiding food waste in a circular economy logic. These include fresh products such as fruit, grocery and bakery items, among other food products.
“Our quick ability to outflow products has allowed, on the one hand, to prevent many tonnes of food products from becoming waste and, on the other hand, to support a significant number of institutions and families with food products that are in excellent consumption conditions. We are aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, as we firmly address several of them, as is the example of the fight to eradicate hunger and poverty or the promotion of more conscious and sustainable consumption. Missão Continente is aware of its responsibility as an active agent in creating a positive impact on the communities it supports” explains Nádia Reis, Director of Communication and Social Responsibility at Continente.
Missão Continente represents Continente’s social responsibility initiatives, such as Community Support, Inclusive Development and Environmental Citizenship, with the aim of contributing to a more sustainable future. Its axes of action are: Food, People and Planet.