FoodWise Seeks Tax Incentives to Feed 2,000 Families through Surplus Food Donations

The social enterprise FoodWise has launched a landmark appeal to the government for the 2026-2027 Budget, proposing the “Pact on Food Tax Relief” to encourage food donations through fiscal incentives.

Supported by 24 major players in the agri-food sector, the pact seeks to reform the current legal framework to make the donation of surplus food a simple, accessible solution for businesses rather than a logistical constraint.

If implemented, FoodWise estimates the measure could redistribute an additional 3 million meals per year, enough to sustain 2,000 families.

The Scale of the Crisis

The proposal comes as a response to a stark disparity in the Mauritian economy: while over 146,000 tonnes of food are wasted annually, more than 100,000 citizens continue to live below the poverty line.

“We have the scale to act quickly. We have the actors to act well. We have the figures to convince,” said Lotilde Charpy, General Manager of FoodWise. “The only thing missing is the political will to take the step.”

A Proven Model for Success

The proposed legislation draws inspiration from international benchmarks, specifically the French Loi Garot.

According to Aisha Allee, Chair of the FoodWise board, such a change could increase food donations by 30%.

Since its inception in 2018, FoodWise has already achieved significant results:

• 8 million meals redistributed to date.
• Rs 50 million worth of food donated in a single year.
• 130 companies currently collaborating with over 105 NGOs.

Empowering SMEs

A primary focus of the “Pact on Food Tax Relief” is to support Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).

By providing financial incentives, the initiative aims to give these businesses the resources needed to organise the redistribution of surplus stock more efficiently.

Industry Support

The pact has already garnered signatures from 24 diverse industry leaders, ranging from retail giants and distributors to hospitality groups. Notable signatories include:

1. Pick N Eat Ltd – KFC 
2. Panagora Marketing Co Ltd 
3. Innodis Ltd 
4. Carrefour Maurice 
5. Mont Choisy Group 
6. Aryze Company Ltd 
7. Convenience Food Ltd 
8. Medine Ltd 
9. Avipro Co Ltd 
10. New Maurifoods Co Ltd
11. Edendale Distributors Ltd 
12. Esko & Co Ltd 
13. Grays Inc Ltd 
14. Aptis 
15. Proxifresh Co Ltd 
16. Indigo Marketing Co Ltd 
17. Inicia Ltée 
18. Intermart Ltd 
19. IPBD Distributors Ltd 
20. L.V.M Ltd 
21. Oxenham 
22. Your Essential Distributors Ltd 
23. Taste Paradise – Lakaz Mama 
24. Vaulbert Ltd

FoodWise will now take these proposals into the formal budget consultations, advocating for the State and private sector to unite in strengthening national food security.

Source: Defi Media