Ministry of Economy, Environment and Agriculture, and the Ukrainian Food Banks Federation have signed a memorandum to develop a food banking system in Ukraine

The Ministry of Economy, Environment, and Agriculture of Ukraine and the Ukrainian Food Banks Federation (UFBF) have signed a Memorandum of Cooperation. The agreement provides for the development of a food banking system in Ukraine, a mechanism that allows food suitable for consumption to be distributed to people in need instead of being disposed of.

The document was signed on March 11, 2026, by Taras Vysotskyi, Deputy Minister of Economy, Environment, and Agriculture of Ukraine, and Dmytro Shkrabatovskyi, Chairman of the Board of the Ukrainian Food Banks Federation.

The memorandum lays the foundation for joint work in the field of food security, support for vulnerable groups of the population, and reduction of food losses. The parties agreed to work on developing a food bank system, preparing legislative changes, and introducing approaches in Ukraine that have long been used in EU countries.

Every year, Ukraine disposes of about 2.7 million tonnes of food, much of which is still fit for consumption. At the same time, millions of people need food support. That is why the development of the food banking system is seen not as a separate charitable initiative, but as part of modern state policy in the field of food security.

"For us, this decision is primarily about people and a healthy approach to resources and strengthening food security. Food that is fit for consumption should not be destroyed, but should reach those who really need support. This is how modern food security works: when the state, businesses, and the public sector work together to reduce losses, help people, and at the same time reduce the burden on the environment. As a result, everyone wins: people receive assistance, businesses reduce costs, and the country forms a responsible food use system," said Taras Vysotskyi.

As of 2025, 12.7 million Ukrainians need humanitarian aid. In addition, there are more than 4.59 million officially registered internally displaced persons, as well as millions of people with disabilities and low-income pensioners. Under these conditions, a food bank system for Ukraine is no longer an extra option, but a practical necessity.

The essence of this system is simple: products that are still fit for consumption but will no longer be sold are not disposed of but are given to people in need. Manufacturers, retailers, and other suppliers send such products to food banks, which collect them, form sets, and pass them on. This practice has been operating successfully in Europe and the U.S. for many years: it reduces food waste, helps people, and unites the state, business, and the public sector.

An important part of the cooperation is the preparation of legislative changes that will enable the full launch of the food bank system in Ukraine. In particular, this involves a separate law, clear rules on the terms of sale and consumption of products, tax incentives for donating food to charity, and regulations to reduce the disposal of edible products.

This decision will have economic, social, and environmental effects. People in need will receive more food, businesses will spend less on disposal, and the environment will suffer less from food waste. The development of a network of food banks will allow for more responsible use of resources, reduce food loss, and expand food support for people.

Background information

The Ukrainian Food Banks Federation is a non-profit charitable organization founded in 2022 with the support of the European Food Banks Federation (FEBA). It works to develop a system of food banks in Ukraine and on legislative solutions that will create conditions for the transfer of edible food products for charitable purposes.