​​Reducing Food Loss and Waste in Cities: Legal Pathways for Sustainable and Inclusive Urban Development​

Every day, cities around the world discard vast quantities of edible food while millions of urban residents struggle to access adequate nutrition. This UN-Habitat policy brief examines how legal and governance frameworks can effectively reduce food loss and waste in cities. Drawing on case studies from Milan, Singapore, Vienna, New South Wales, South Korea, France, Rwanda, Brazil, and Pune (India), it illustrates practical legal pathways across urban planning law, housing standards, waste management mandates, urban–rural linkages, and equity-centred design. The brief is intended for local and national policymakers, urban planners, and legal practitioners involved in shaping governance frameworks for urban food systems. It aligns with SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities), SDG 12 (Sustainable Consumption and Production), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and the New Urban Agenda.