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Good Practices of Food Banks in Spain: Contribution to Sustainable Development from the CFS-RAI Principles

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  • María Leticia Acosta Mereles

    (Planificación y Gestión Sostenible del Desarrollo Rural-Local (GESPLAN), Cátedra Banco de Alimentos, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Avda Puerta de Hierro 2, 28040 Madrid, Spain)

  • Carlos Mur Nuño

    (Planificación y Gestión Sostenible del Desarrollo Rural-Local (GESPLAN), Cátedra Banco de Alimentos, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Avda Puerta de Hierro 2, 28040 Madrid, Spain
    Facultad de Ciencias Económicas, Empresariales y de la Comunicación, European University of Madrid, Calle Tajo s/n, 28670 Madrid, Spain)

  • Ricardo Rubén Stratta Fernández

    (Departamento de Desarrollo Rural, Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias y Forestales, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, Av. 7 N° 776, Buenos Aires 1900, Argentina)

  • Manuel Enrique Chenet

    (Facultad de Ciencias Económicas y Empresariales, Universidad Ricardo Palma, Jr. Morro Solar 500, Santiago de Surco 15039, Peru)

Abstract

The Principles for Responsible Investment in Agriculture and Food Systems (CFS-RAI) are suitable standards for contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the area of sound consumption and sustainable food. In this context, food banks have demonstrated their significant role in supporting vulnerable groups and reducing food waste through the implementation of various projects and activities. This study identifies and classifies the good practices of 54 food banks that comprise the Spanish Federation of Food Banks (FESBAL). The methodology applied was based on the Working with People model, integrating a social and collaborative learning process based on the accumulated experience of food banks over 35 years. The analysis was carried out based on four dimensions of sustainability, namely social, economic, environmental, and governance, in alignment with the CFS-RAI Principles. The results obtained show the good practices of food banks, highlighting their positive effects on the dimensions of sustainability, consistent with the CFS-RAI Principles, and the SDGs, evidencing improved food security and a holistic contribution to sustainable development.

Suggested Citation

  • María Leticia Acosta Mereles & Carlos Mur Nuño & Ricardo Rubén Stratta Fernández & Manuel Enrique Chenet, 2025. "Good Practices of Food Banks in Spain: Contribution to Sustainable Development from the CFS-RAI Principles," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(3), pages 1-25, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:3:p:912-:d:1574289
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    References listed on IDEAS

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