Food 4.0: food sharing as a smart approach to urban food policies. A longitudinal key study in Milan

The focus of public and scientific debate on food-related issues and urban food policies has progressed considerably in recent times, with growing attention towards the issues of food waste and its preventions. Food-sharing initiatives, i.e. those forms of sharing that rely on the use of online platforms and allow reuse of extra food, are among the most innovative practices introduced. The article shows the results of an exploratory survey investigating the level of knowledge and awareness of food sharing practices, and their adoption on day-to-day basis among a sample of citizens. Data were collected in Milan, a first time between April and May 2015, during the EXPO 2015, and a second time in April and May 2019, to assess changes and verify the rate of increase in the citizens level of awareness and use of such platforms. Different profiles of respondents are identified, based on a more or less active use of the platform and of the general propensity to practices of food sharing. The results can provide useful information in the evaluation of the impact of food sharing and the discussion of future policies to reduce food waste.