Food waste does not disappear when summer ends and neither does the work to prevent it.

As the Black Sea region moves into the colder months, partners of the Pilot action for increasing the capacity of local and regional administrations to develop and implement innovative food waste public awareness actions project are reflecting on a high impact summer of citizen engagement while preparing for long term cooperation and action.

During the summer season, the project partners rolled out the Food Waste Patrol awareness campaign across all participating countries. Rather than relying on traditional lectures or information panels, the campaign met citizens where they were on coastal public spaces using hands-on, interactive activities.

Visitors were invited to:

• see food waste collected and weighed on site,
• learn easy tips on food storage and using leftovers,
• exchange small amounts of food waste for local snacks or incentives,
• discover how small behavioural changes can lead to real impact.

This “learn-by-doing” approach proved especially effective in engaging non-specialists and encouraging immediate, practical behaviour change.

In Bulgaria, patrols implemented in popular coastal destinations including Pomorie, Byala, Balchik, Kavarna and Shabla. Volunteers engaged both tourists and residents, offering locally sourced snacks and practical advice on reducing food waste at home and while travelling.

In Georgia, patrol activities took place over seven days in Ureki, Batumi, Kobuleti and Gonio, reaching hundreds of visitors at each location.

In Türkiye, patrols conducted in Karasu, Kocaali, Sapanca and Kaynarca, supported by brochures, reusable fabric bags and strong municipal cooperation.

In Greece, partners adapted the transnational Food Waste Patrol methodology to the local context, delivering awareness actions in multiple municipalities in Central Macedonia and Eastern Macedonia and Thrace. Activities were implemented in close cooperation with municipal authorities, involving trained municipal staff and focusing on prevention, reuse and sustainable consumption.

The FoodWISE experience shows that preventing food waste is relevant all year round. Lessons learned during the summer, from better meal planning to smarter food storage, are just as valuable in winter households.