Less waste can lower prices. WUR model research shows that 40% less food waste can lower market prices: vegetables by 4%, fruit by 2% and grains by 1%. The social cost-benefit analysis of food initiatives by New Economy grounds this finding. Without a calculation, the social value of informal food initiatives stays invisible, while the cost of inaction keeps rising.
A social cost-benefit analysis values the network’s benefits against public spending and avoidable social costs. This is relevant for municipalities, city districts and organisations working on food security, poverty and public health.