Latvians throw away average 144 kg of food per person each year
Latvia generated 269,596 tonnes of food waste in 2024, with households responsible for the largest share. Experts and local governments are offering solutions to reduce the amount.
Reducing food waste is a priority across the European Union, and each member state must track and report on the food waste it generates to measure progress. The latest figures show that Latvia produced a total of 269,596 tonnes of food waste in 2024, equivalent to an average of 144 kilograms per resident. The data covers the entire chain, from primary production and processing to catering, retail and households. Households remain the largest source of food waste, averaging 85.8 kilograms per resident.
Cutting waste at home
Agnese Gaidelione, founder of a package-free store concept, says thoughtful shopping habits help protect nature and save money. She recommends buying directly from farmers, citing the "Reko" farmers' online market operating in Valmiera, where customers order exactly the quantity they need. She also advises households to pay attention to their actual eating habits, watch expiry dates carefully, be cautious with promotional offers, and not avoid short-shelf-life products. Gaidelione points out that food that ends up thrown away is effectively paid for twice — once at the store and again through waste management fees.
Local government initiatives
The Cēsis municipality, participating in the "From Waste to Resources" project, has set up a zero-waste neighbourhood community along with a WhatsApp and Facebook group called "Share Food in Cēsis Municipality." According to project representative Lāsma Ozola, residents use the group to offer surplus food items or prepared meals to others, and everything posted so far has found a new recipient. Ozola stresses that anyone can use this option, not only those in financial need, and mentions a related initiative by the "Karotes" soup kitchen, which has set up a cabinet offering free food for people who need it.
Practical tips
Experts recommend planning shopping trips and meals in advance, keeping items nearing their expiry date visible, using leftovers creatively, storing food properly according to packaging instructions, and freezing products when they cannot be used in time.
