International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste

Estimates show that hundreds of millions of people face hunger and food insecurity every year but, even so, the world also has a problem with wasted and lost food. Some statistics suggest that 13% of the world’s food is lost after harvest but before making it to the retail stores, while another 17% is lost after arriving at grocery stores, restaurants and households. 

As the planet is filled with unsustainable food systems and so many people are experiencing food shortages, the problem of food loss and food waste needs to be solved. And it is with this in mind, the International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste is observed.

History of International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste

It is only in the past two centuries that food loss and food waste has become common, and within the past few decades it has become an even more prevalent problem particularly considering growing populations. With the “progress” that was made through the Industrial Revolution, the supply of food to humans was changed, creating more opportunity for food to be lost or wasted. Instead of farmers supplying food directly to consumers, factories and manufacturers got involved, which delayed the process and created more waste.

In addition, because economic excess exists in many places and people rarely grow their own food, the opportunity and propensity for wasted food is increased among households. Not only is the waste of food a problem because there are many hungry people all over the world, wasted and lost food is also a large contributor to the greenhouse gasses that are ruining the planet.

In 2019, the United Nations General Assembly made a designation for this day to be celebrated as the International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste. The purpose of this event is to increase interest and improve knowledge about the serious problems behind the loss and waste of food.

How to Observe International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste

Looking for ideas on how to observe the International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste? Check out some of these important ideas that can help get individuals and communities involved with reducing food loss and waste:

Teach Kids about Food Loss and Waste

Getting the next generation of humans involved with important topics is an excellent way to solve problems for the future. Teachers, parents, scout leaders and others who are influencers in kids’ lives can celebrate International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste by educating kids and getting them excited about ways they can be part of the solution.

Lesson plans, extracurricular activities and events can all raise awareness and get kids connected with the idea of solving the problem of food waste and food loss. From teaching kids not to take food they won’t eat to starting a compost bin at the school, from building a school garden where food is grown to teaching kids how to preserve produce, this day is an ideal opportunity to turn the younger folks into a group of responsible citizens. In addition, teaching older students the math formulas or digital technologies that will help to predict usage would be a great way to ingrain these ideas into these soon-to-be adults.

Practice Food Waste Prevention

On a personal and family level, it is certainly possible to be more attentive to shopping and eating habits, making sure that food does not go to waste. Check out and share some of these important factors that can help to prevent food waste on a local and household level:

• Make Meal Plans. One of the best ways to reduce personal and household food waste is to make a plan for meals, grocery shop with a list for that plan, and then follow through by cooking and eating those meals.
• Consume Leftovers. Depending on the size and appetite of the household, an excellent way to reduce food waste is to incorporate leftovers into the family’s meal plan.
• Learn to Preserve Foods. It wasn’t so long ago that almost every mom or grandma knew how to can the fruits and vegetables from their gardens. Consider this as an alternative to help reduce food waste and having access to produce all winter long.
• Compost. When food scraps and waste are collected and cared for properly, they can turn into healthy fertilizer for gardens and lawns. Some people can do this in their own backyards while others, especially those who live in apartment buildings, might need to check out community composting programs.