Food waste in hospitals: a problem brought to the fore

Writing / Irene Vega

Food waste and loss is a global problem with significant implications for the environment, the economy, and public health. This reality poses challenges that require urgent and coordinated action, including government policies, investments in technology, and improved infrastructure. However, hospitals, major generators of food waste, still lack a clear and effective model to reduce the impact of this phenomenon.

Aware of the magnitude of this problem, Business Organization professors María Torrejón, Sonia Medina, and Marta Ortiz de Urbina have implemented a management model based on cooperation, coordination, and communication (the Triple C Circular model) between healthcare professionals, patients, and food suppliers. Furthermore, this model promotes a multidisciplinary approach and aims to encourage the implementation of sustainable practices such as composting or the use of smart technologies for waste management. The results of this study this paper have recently been published in the journal Gaceta Sanitaria.

“The heart of our proposal is the circular triple C model, which suggests that the key to reducing food waste in hospitals lies in collaboration between all stakeholders: from hospital managers to suppliers and, of course, patients,” explains Sonia Medina. Therefore, this model seeks to raise awareness about the impact that waste management has on public health and the efficiency of hospital services. “By working together, we can not only reduce waste but also improve the quality of the food offered and foster a culture of sustainability within the hospital environment,” adds Marta Ortiz de Urbina.

This study not only highlights the environmental and economic impact of food waste in hospitals, but also proposes viable solutions for changing food resource management in healthcare. “Our model promotes a systemic and interconnected approach, where small adjustments can generate large benefits in terms of sustainability, public health, and cost reduction,” says María Torrejón.

The ultimate goal of this study, according to its authors, is to inspire further research and collaboration across disciplines, public policies, and progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), contributing to a healthier and more environmentally friendly future.