Panama’s National Assembly has returned a bill aimed at reducing food waste and bolstering food security to the Executive Branch for final sanction, following objections raised in December 2025. The move comes after lawmakers addressed concerns regarding five articles of the legislation, with three deemed “inexequible,” or unconstitutional.
Known as Project 396, the law establishes a legal framework for the donation of safe, edible food, aligning with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 2 – “Zero Hunger.” The initiative stems from a citizen-led effort to combat hunger and reduce food waste, recognizing the incompatibility of both issues, according to Assembly members.
Data cited during legislative debate indicates that over 200,000 Panamanians – 5.3% of the national population – suffer from hunger. The situation is particularly acute in indigenous regions, where 50% of children experience malnutrition. Despite this, approximately 350 tons of food are discarded daily across the country.
Representative Ariel Vallarino, who championed the bill, emphasized the inclusion of modern regulations for food preservation. “The fundamental goal is to minimize the loss of tons of food that often end up in landfills,” he stated. Vallarino added that the legislation was extensively discussed with stakeholders including the Catholic Church, the Food Bank, the Ministry of Health, and private sector companies.
Presidential objections centered on five articles within the bill. Three of those objections were upheld, requiring revisions before final approval. The Assembly’s action now sends the revised Project 396 back to the Executive Branch for final enactment into law.
The approval of Project 396 follows a similar initiative in neighboring countries, as highlighted by organizations like the Global FoodBanking Network, which advocates for policies supporting food donation and waste reduction. A report from the network details recommendations for legal frameworks to facilitate these efforts.
Grupo A.J. Vierci of Paraguay recently acquired the operation of Subway Panamá, a separate economic development occurring on March 9, 2026.
