The Consell Comarcal del Vallès Occidental is advancing in the European project Social Food Webs, aiming to improve local public policies on food sustainability, waste prevention, and surplus redistribution. The region coordinates the thematic group "Management and Monitoring Technologies," which examines how innovation can enhance food management systems and strengthen the capacity of administrations, businesses, and social entities.
This work is conducted in close connection with local and regional agents in Vallès Occidental involved in food sustainability. Working sessions facilitate the transfer of knowledge and experiences from the eight participating European territories to the region, while also incorporating local needs and challenges into the European project. The participation builds on the region's prior experience in projects like Recooperem – Sostenibilitat Alimentària.
The potential of new technologies such as artificial intelligence, IoT sensors, time and temperature indicators, and automated alert systems is being analyzed to improve waste prevention, surplus redistribution, food traceability, and associated logistics.
These technological tools can facilitate better surplus forecasting, optimize collection and distribution circuits, enhance food traceability, and improve decision-making. They can also help reduce response times, anticipate incidents, and foster coordination among companies, social entities, and public administrations.
The ultimate goal is not only to identify available technologies but also to analyze how they can be effectively applied to local public policies and existing regional programs, considering the real needs of the agents involved in the food recovery and redistribution chain.
