International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste: Everything You Should Know
1. When is the International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste Celebrated?
Every year on September 29, the International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste is observed. During this day, public and private sectors are urged to prioritize food loss and waste reduction programs and innovations. 29 September 2020 marked the first observance of this day.
There are thousands of people in the world suffering from hunger, and almost the same amount of edible food is wasted every day. Reducing food losses and waste is of the utmost importance.
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) jointly organised this day, and they will also co-ordinate the day's activities.
Every year on September 29, the International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste is observed. During this day, public and private sectors are urged to prioritize food loss and waste reduction programs and innovations. 29 September 2020 marked the first observance of this day.
There are thousands of people in the world suffering from hunger, and almost the same amount of edible food is wasted every day. Reducing food losses and waste is of the utmost importance.
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) jointly organised this day, and they will also co-ordinate the day's activities.
2. International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste: History
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (F.A.O.) was founded in 1945 with the mission of eradicating world hunger. Since then, they have made significant progress in this direction, including coming together in December 2019 to choose September 29 as the International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste.
Our food systems are seriously threatened by food loss and waste because when food is lost or squandered, all of the resources necessary to create it—including water, land, energy, labour, and capital—are wasted. Additionally, it has a negative effect on the availability of food and food security, as well as raising food prices.
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (F.A.O.) was founded in 1945 with the mission of eradicating world hunger. Since then, they have made significant progress in this direction, including coming together in December 2019 to choose September 29 as the International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste.
Our food systems are seriously threatened by food loss and waste because when food is lost or squandered, all of the resources necessary to create it—including water, land, energy, labour, and capital—are wasted. Additionally, it has a negative effect on the availability of food and food security, as well as raising food prices.
3. Theme of International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste:
Theme of International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste 2022: Stop Food Waste! For People and! Planet.
Theme of International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste 2021: Stop food loss and waste. For the people. For the planet
Theme of International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste 2022: Stop Food Waste! For People and! Planet.
Theme of International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste 2021: Stop food loss and waste. For the people. For the planet
4. Significance of Awareness of Reduce Food Loss and Waste
In the supply chain, the size of the food loss after harvest is estimated to be 14 percent, and retail and consumption waste is estimated to be 17 percent. Food loss and waste contribute 8 -10 percent of the global greenhouse gas emissions, causing an unstable climate and extreme weather events such as droughts and floods. There is a negative impact on crop yields, a reduction in nutritional quality, disruptions in the supply chain, and a threat to food security and nutrition due to these changes.
Food waste at retail and consumer levels must be halved, along with food loss along the production and supply chains, according to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development - specifically SDG 12, target 12.3. There are approximately 3.15 billion people living without access to a healthy diet and approximately 828 million who go hungry. Therefore, reducing food loss and waste needs to be done urgently.
It is imperative that action is scaled up to reduce food loss and waste as soon as possible since there are only eight years left to reach the target. We can achieve instant climate benefits by reducing food loss and waste while improving the overall sustainability of our food systems - a transformation that is essential to ensuring better nutritional outcomes for the current and future generations.
In the supply chain, the size of the food loss after harvest is estimated to be 14 percent, and retail and consumption waste is estimated to be 17 percent. Food loss and waste contribute 8 -10 percent of the global greenhouse gas emissions, causing an unstable climate and extreme weather events such as droughts and floods. There is a negative impact on crop yields, a reduction in nutritional quality, disruptions in the supply chain, and a threat to food security and nutrition due to these changes.
Food waste at retail and consumer levels must be halved, along with food loss along the production and supply chains, according to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development - specifically SDG 12, target 12.3. There are approximately 3.15 billion people living without access to a healthy diet and approximately 828 million who go hungry. Therefore, reducing food loss and waste needs to be done urgently.
It is imperative that action is scaled up to reduce food loss and waste as soon as possible since there are only eight years left to reach the target. We can achieve instant climate benefits by reducing food loss and waste while improving the overall sustainability of our food systems - a transformation that is essential to ensuring better nutritional outcomes for the current and future generations.
5. What are the Areas of Action for International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste?
Governments, the commercial sector, civic society, development organisations, research and academic institutions, and consumers must all take action to reduce food loss and waste because it is a shared duty. At all levels, cooperation is required, but it is especially important between the public and private sectors and with organisations that support research and development.
All communication programmes and campaigns must be consistent with actions. World Food Day will highlight the significance of reducing food loss and waste, which is essential to ensuring that no one is left behind as agrifood systems are transformed to become MORE efficient, inclusive, sustainable, and resilient for better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life.
The dream of a world free from hunger and malnutrition where no one is left behind must be realised, and we all have a part to play in that. We can be kind to those who frequently lack food by respecting it, just purchasing what we require, and squandering less. Each of us, including young people, may contribute to a better future by acting with more accountability and awareness.
Governments, the commercial sector, civic society, development organisations, research and academic institutions, and consumers must all take action to reduce food loss and waste because it is a shared duty. At all levels, cooperation is required, but it is especially important between the public and private sectors and with organisations that support research and development.
All communication programmes and campaigns must be consistent with actions. World Food Day will highlight the significance of reducing food loss and waste, which is essential to ensuring that no one is left behind as agrifood systems are transformed to become MORE efficient, inclusive, sustainable, and resilient for better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life.
The dream of a world free from hunger and malnutrition where no one is left behind must be realised, and we all have a part to play in that. We can be kind to those who frequently lack food by respecting it, just purchasing what we require, and squandering less. Each of us, including young people, may contribute to a better future by acting with more accountability and awareness.
6. Key Messages on International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste
- Our problem should not be how to grow more food as the world's population continues to increase; instead, we must immediately focus on minimizing food loss and waste in order to optimize the amount of food produced for feeding and nourishing more people.
- The shift to sustainable food systems, which improve the effective use of natural resources, decrease environmental consequences, and guarantee food security and nutrition, depends on prioritizing the reduction of food loss and waste.
- One of the most effective ways to combat climate change is to reduce food waste.
- Efficiency improvements and emissions reductions in the food system depend on the development of climate-smart innovations, technology, and infrastructure to reduce food loss and waste.
- Never throw away food! Applying circular techniques will enable lost and wasted food to be composted or utilised to create biogas, preventing harmful methane emissions.
- Maximizing the benefits of decreasing food loss and waste requires good governance, the development of human capital, teamwork, and partnerships.
7. How Can We Reduce the Food Waste?
Here are some steps using which we can reduce food wastage and food loss -
Here are some steps using which we can reduce food wastage and food loss -
- Make Smart Shopping Choices: The convenience of buying in bulk should be balanced with the fact that it may result in food wastage.
- Food Should be Stored Properly: Without proper storage, foods like potatoes, garlic, cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions will spoil - always store them at room temperature.
- Don't Overfill Your Refrigerator: First in, first out, or FIFO, is a system for stocking refrigerators.
- Don't Throw Out the Skin of the Vegetables and Fruit Eat the Skin: Because the skins of fruits and vegetables are so healthy, they should be consumed rather than discarded.
- Donate Leftover Food to Food Bank: In order to prevent food waste at weddings, organisations that provide leftovers from weddings or parties to disadvantaged and needy locals should be partnered with.
8. What are the Impacts of Food Wastage in India?
Food waste accounts for between 8 and 10% of worldwide greenhouse gas emissions. Food waste might end up in landfills where it can release strong greenhouse gases that have detrimental effects on the environment.
Food is accessible at greater prices if there is more food waste. Due to their low socioeconomic status, many people are prevented from acquiring nutritious food. According to the 2020 Global Hunger Index, India is placed 94th out of 107 countries.
In the event that the food is squandered, the cost of the production factors - such as land, water, energy, and inputs—used to generate the food is wasted.
The global economy loses $940 billion due to food loss and wastes every year. India may thereby avoid paying the corresponding economic costs by not squandering 40% of its food.
Food waste accounts for between 8 and 10% of worldwide greenhouse gas emissions. Food waste might end up in landfills where it can release strong greenhouse gases that have detrimental effects on the environment.
Food is accessible at greater prices if there is more food waste. Due to their low socioeconomic status, many people are prevented from acquiring nutritious food. According to the 2020 Global Hunger Index, India is placed 94th out of 107 countries.
In the event that the food is squandered, the cost of the production factors - such as land, water, energy, and inputs—used to generate the food is wasted.
The global economy loses $940 billion due to food loss and wastes every year. India may thereby avoid paying the corresponding economic costs by not squandering 40% of its food.
9. What are the Steps Taken by the Government to Reduce Food Wastage and Food Loss in India?
In order to decrease food waste in India, the government has adopted a number of actions. This involves actions like -
The SAMPADA (Scheme for Agro-Marine Processing and Development of Agro-Processing Clusters) program was introduced in 2016. The creation of a seamless cold chain and value-added infrastructure is one of the scheme's key elements. In the same way, India is also developing Mega Food Parks. They will also process food while providing sufficient and appropriate storage facilities. Food preservation will be improved, and the shelf life will be extended.
The National Food Security Act of 2013 requires the government to provide nutritious food to the underprivileged at reasonable costs. As a result, the government is indirectly under pressure to reduce food waste in order to carry out the mission's goals.
Better identification of recipients of public assistance was made possible by linking the Aadhaar card with the ration card. The demand for surplus food was lowered as a result.
In order to decrease food waste in India, the government has adopted a number of actions. This involves actions like -
The SAMPADA (Scheme for Agro-Marine Processing and Development of Agro-Processing Clusters) program was introduced in 2016. The creation of a seamless cold chain and value-added infrastructure is one of the scheme's key elements. In the same way, India is also developing Mega Food Parks. They will also process food while providing sufficient and appropriate storage facilities. Food preservation will be improved, and the shelf life will be extended.
The National Food Security Act of 2013 requires the government to provide nutritious food to the underprivileged at reasonable costs. As a result, the government is indirectly under pressure to reduce food waste in order to carry out the mission's goals.
Better identification of recipients of public assistance was made possible by linking the Aadhaar card with the ration card. The demand for surplus food was lowered as a result.
Theme of International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste Awareness of Food Loss and Waste Food Loss and Waste Food Wastage and Food Loss in India Impacts of Food Wastage in India How Can We Reduce the Food Waste Areas of Action
Comments