6 OCTOBER 2021

FOOD LOSS AND WASTE

UN Agencies cautioned that an estimated one-third of all food is lost or wasted worldwide.

“We cannot continue to lose 14 percent of food produced globally and to waste 17 percent of total food in households, retailers, restaurants and other food services. This amounts to a loss of $400 billion a year in food value,” Director General of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) said in his video message.

The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) Executive Director also listed some of the multiple benefits of reducing the “heavy” burden of food waste and loss.

“Food security, obviously cost savings at all levels. Climate mitigation, reduced burden of pollution, reduced use of water and land and protection for biodiversity by using existing agricultural land more efficiently, and so, reducing the push for expansion is also critical.”

International Day of Awareness on Food Loss and Waste Reduction on 29 September called to change our habits to be a Food Hero and “make not wasting food a way of life.”

“Half–eaten apples tossed in the trash bin after lunch is contributing to the staggering mountain of food wasted globally, at a time when more than 800 million people still go to bed hungry,” the UN Agencies said on the International Day to increase awareness on this crucial issue, for the future of the Planet.