Exploring Food Commons: Naomi Lipke on Participatory Innovation and Foodsharing 

From Geography to Food Commons

Originally from the U.S. and now living in Scandinavia for over a decade, Naomi Lipke’s journey into food commons began with a master's degree in Human Geography from Stockholm University. Her interest in food commons took off during an online course on participatory innovation in food waste, where the idea of an app to redistribute food waste was proposed. Though Lipke found the app concept too complex to be practical, she applied for an EU grant to investigate community-driven food solutions and soon connected with grassroots organizations and activists, who were exploring innovative ways to address food waste. This led her to a Ph.D., where she dove deep into the world of foodsharing as an innovative, community-centered solution.

A Community Approach to Food Waste

Imagine foodsharing as an evolution of dumpster diving with a communal twist. Rather than salvaging food from bins, foodsharing openly collaborates with stores to collect and redistribute surplus food directly to people who need it. Unlike individualistic, profit-focused apps, foodsharing emphasizes community cooperation. Here, the focus is on reducing waste and ensuring everyone can benefit, making it a fundamentally collective effort. The idea is simple but powerful: food should be eaten, not wasted, and everyone has a right to the surplus. 

More Than a Meal: How Foodsharing Builds Purpose and Community

Lipke found the dedication in foodsharing circles remarkable; people willingly invest time and energy to keep the system running. Unlike other commons where participants may disengage when things get too demanding, foodsharing builds a sense of purpose and community, especially for those who might struggle to afford fresh food otherwise. As the Swedish government and EU clarified regulations around foodsharing, the organizational landscape evolved, striking a balance between regulatory structure and grassroots flexibility.

One memorable part of her research was seeing how foodsharing empowered older participants on fixed incomes, who expressed a renewed sense of dignity by being able to contribute to a meaningful activity and access fresh food themselves.

Lipke was also struck by a unique aspect in Gothenburg’s community: food was at times shared between friends and neighbors, adding a beautiful layer of support that traditional charity models rarely achieve. This community spirit goes beyond just accessing food; it fosters resilience and mutual aid that can make a real difference in people’s lives. 

Community Wins and Growing Pains

One of the strongest points of foodsharing is its engaging, hands-on approach, where volunteers feel valued by the impact they make and the surplus food they receive. Yet, like many grassroots efforts, it faces challenges in transparency and decision-making. Without clear processes, individuals sometimes hold outsized influence over certain pickups or locations. Introducing democratic processes combined with stronger central leadership for decision-making helped strengthen the organizational resilience of foodsharing in Gothenburg. 

Foodsharing in New Cities: Can the Model Travel?

Foodsharing has thrived in places like Gothenburg, but certain factors are crucial for its success elsewhere. Grocery stores, for instance, need volunteers who can commit to regular pickups, especially given that new regulations require stores to separate unsold and uncollected food from other waste. Consistent volunteer numbers and access to transport are practical necessities that can make or break new initiatives.