Every year, millions of tons of perfectly edible food end up in the trash. And it doesn’t just happen on the farms or during production—it happens in the markets and during distribution, too. This is exactly where RECUP steps in. Born in Milan in 2016, RECUP had a very clear mission: to fight food waste and, at the same time, promote social inclusion. A simple but brilliant solution to a complex problem.

How Does it Work?

RECUP volunteers go to local markets in Milan and Rome to talk with the vendors. They ask if the vendors are willing to donate fruit and vegetables that they can't sell anymore—maybe because they’re a little bruised or too ripe for most customers. These foods, which would otherwise end up in dumpsters, are carefully collected and then redistributed to anyone in need. This way, RECUP not only tackles food waste but also supports those going through tough times, helping to create a real network of solidarity.

The RECUP process is as simple as it is effective. Volunteers show up at the market with boxes ready to collect everything that vendors no longer want. After gathering the food, it’s set up in a strategic spot in the market, easy to see and access. The best part? Anyone can come by and take what they need—no strings attached, no questions asked. There are no barriers, no stigmas, just people helping people.

The Impact: A Look at the Numbers

RECUP's numbers speak for themselves: in just four years, the project has recovered over 47 tons of fruit and vegetables. Imagine how many resources have been saved! Every kilogram of recovered food isn’t just something given to someone in need; it also represents the water, labor, and energy that would have otherwise gone to waste. Think about how much effort and how many natural resources go into a simple apple or a tomato, and what a shame it is to waste them. With its daily work, RECUP reminds us that every small action counts, and that even a single fruit saved can make a difference.

A Community That Cares

This system is more than just a practical answer to food waste; it also creates a unique sense of community. When someone comes over to grab an apple or some veggies, it becomes a chance to meet, talk, and share. RECUP brings together people of all ages and backgrounds: students, retirees, parents, immigrants—all united by the desire to avoid waste and support each other. Diversity becomes a strength, and the market transforms into an inclusive, vibrant space where solidarity is the real driving force.

RECUP as a Political Act

But RECUP is more than just charity. For the volunteers, recovering food is a political act. To recover food means fighting against a system that produces too much and wastes just as much, ignoring inequalities and environmental impact. It means standing up against resource waste and taking real action to promote a fairer distribution. Every banana saved, every cauliflower rescued, is a step towards a fairer society that puts people and the planet at the heart of its choices.

The Future of RECUP

RECUP has big ambitions for the future. The goal isn’t just to keep growing in Milan and Rome but to inspire other cities to do the same, creating a virtuous network across the entire country. Imagine a future where every local market in Italy has its own group of volunteers ready to recover excess food and share it with the community. It would be a radical shift, not only in terms of reducing food waste but also in the way we live in our neighborhoods and cities. The hope is that the RECUP model will become replicable everywhere: a small army of people armed with crates and a lot of goodwill, ready to show that sustainability starts with everyday, concrete actions.

In a Nutshell

RECUP is much more than a simple project against food waste—it's a genuine movement for social inclusion and sustainability. By recovering and redistributing food, RECUP promotes values of community, sharing, and respect for resources. In a world where we too often throw away the excess, RECUP teaches us the value of the little things and reminds us that change starts from the ground up, from the choices we make every day. It’s concrete proof that by joining forces to fight food waste and expand social inclusion, we can lay the foundations for a fairer future for everyone.