International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste
The International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste is an annual event celebrated on September 29 to raise awareness of the need to reduce food loss and waste. It was designated by the United Nations General Assembly in December 2012.
The date of September 29 was chosen for the International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste because it is the anniversary of the signing of the Rome Declaration on World Food Security in 1996. The declaration called for a global effort to reduce hunger and malnutrition.
Food loss and waste is a major problem around the world. Every year, an estimated one-third of all food produced for human consumption is lost or wasted. This amounts to about 1.3 billion tonnes of food. Food loss and waste occur at all stages of the food supply chain, from production to processing to distribution to consumption.
Food loss and waste have a number of negative consequences. It contributes to climate change, water pollution, and land degradation. It also wastes resources such as water, land, and energy. Food loss and waste also have a negative impact on food security. It makes it more difficult to ensure that everyone has access to enough safe and nutritious food.
See also: Insects As Food – Europe Approves Three Types.
How to celebrate:
- Spread awareness about the day.
- Don’t waste food; take time to learn about methods of preserving food.
- Join a campaign to reduce food loss and wastage.
- Properly store food so it doesn’t get spoiled.
- Don’t overstock your food, and shop smart.
Facts:
- Food loss and waste account for 8-10 percent of total global greenhouse gases.
- Around 14% of food produced in the World is lost between harvest and retail, while an estimated 17% of global food production is wasted, comprising 11% in households, 5% in food service, and 2% in retail.
- The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development calls for halving per capita global food waste at the retail and consumer levels and reducing food losses along production and supply chains.
