A Simple Proposal. A Powerful Impact.
It’s a social mesure that focuses on a tax deduction for businesses that donate surplus food to registered food banks and NGOs. A food industry actor - supermarket, restaurant, hotel, manufacturer or producer - that donates unsold or surplus food could deduct a percentage of its value from their taxable income. No complex mechanism. Just a legal & fi scal incentive that makes doing the right thing make fi nancial sense.
We are asking for:
- A tax deduction framework for food donations to registered NGOs and food banks
- Clear eligibility criteria for donors and recipients
- A certifi cation process ensuring transparency and traceability
- Integration into the national budget, starting 2026–2027
The Numbers Behind the Urgency.
In Mauritius:
- 100,000+ Mauritians live in food insecurity
- 279 kilos of food wasted every minutes in Mauritius
- No legal incentive currently exists for businesses to donate surplus
- 1 in 3 meals produced is never eaten (UNEP/WRAP, 2024)
- Food waste = 8–10% of global greenhouse gas emissions (UN, 2023)
The food exists. The need exists. What is missing is the system that connects the two.
HOW IT WORKS
Concrete. Simple. Scalable.
Surplus food exists
unsold, near-expiry, or cosmetically imperfect but perfectly edible.
Business donates
to a certified food bank or NGO like FoodWise.
Business declares
the donation and deducts a percentage from taxable income (up to a certain amount).
Everyone benefits
- More food donated
- Less food wasted
- Real financial benefit for businesses
- More meals for families in need
- A stronger, more resilient food system for Mauritius
INTERNATIONAL BENCHMARKS
It Has Been Done. It Works.
France
: 60% tax deduction = +30% donations in year one
USA
Enhanced deduction up to 2x cost = +137% food donations post PATH Act
Belgium
45% tax reduction = Immediate surge in donor engagement
Colombia
Deduction for surplus donations = Adopted by major food producers
When governments make donating financially attractive, businesses donate more. Food waste drops. Hunger shrinks. Mauritius is ready.
HOW TO SUPPORT
This Change Needs All of Us.
1
You are a business
Partner with FoodWise today. Demonstrate the demand.
2
You are a policymaker
Request a full briefing from our team.
3
You are an NGO
Join the coalition.
4
You are a citizen
Share this page. Tag your representatives. Every voice counts.
#SaveTheUnsolds #FoodWiseMauritius
Your Questions, Answered.
What is a food donation tax deduction?
A legal mechanism allowing businesses to reduce taxable income based on the value of food donated to certified organisations.
Who can donate?
A list of eligible donators will be outlined - supermarkets, hotels, restaurants, manufacturers, distributors, producers, wholesalers.
Who can receive donations?
Registered food banks and NGOs meeting traceability and distribution criteria.
Has this worked elsewhere?
Yes. France, USA, Colombia and others have implemented similar frameworks with documented results.
What is the timeline?
FoodWise is targeting the 2026–2027 national budget, with a key decision window in June 2026.
Can my business get involved now?
Yes. FoodWise already operates in Mauritius. Partner with us today - it strengthens the advocacy case. Contact us to get started.
The Unsolds. Too Good To Waste.
Every tonne donated is a meal saved and a step closer to the law Mauritius needs.
Lets make these 3 millions meals redistributed a reality !
Support the Proposal
Partner with FoodWise
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