Food Waste Index Report 2024 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

Introduction

It's a peculiar paradox that while the world grapples with starvation, vast quantities of food grains go to waste. The staggering figures on food wastage and hunger, as disclosed by the United Nations, are truly eye-opening. According to their report, the amount of food grains squandered daily surpasses the number of individuals worldwide who endure hunger each night. The primary culprits behind this phenomenon are hotel and restaurant proprietors. The United Nations report reveals that in 2022 alone, approximately 19 percent of the global grain production, totaling about 1.05 billion tonnes, was squandered. The UN Environment Programme’s Food Waste Index report tracks countries' efforts to halve food waste by 2030.

Behavior and Attitude Shifts Required to Combat Food Waste

The staggering statistics on food waste, largely attributed to households and their irresponsible consumption habits, necessitate a change starting within our own dwellings. Practicing mindful purchasing while grocery shopping, minimizing the use of single-use packaging, making conscious choices when dining out, and reconsidering lavish banquet spreads at weddings can significantly mitigate food waste. At the community level, individuals can engage with organizations like No Food Waste in Coimbatore, which focus on redistributing surplus food to alleviate hunger among the needy. Cultivating a sense of prudence in our food consumption habits represents the next logical stride. Transitioning from a mindset of "food abundance" to one of "food scarcity" is crucial as we strive toward the ultimate goal of zero waste.

Impact of Food Loss and Waste

Curbing food losses and waste is imperative in a world where the prevalence of hunger has been steadily increasing since 2014, and substantial quantities of edible food are squandered daily. When food is lost or wasted, all the resources utilized in its production—including water, land, energy, labor, and capital—are squandered. Moreover, the disposal of food waste in landfills leads to the emission of greenhouse gases, exacerbating climate change. Additionally, the overflow of landfills results in the seepage of toxins and leachate, contaminating groundwater and contributing to soil and water pollution. By reducing pollution stemming from wasted food, significant energy and resources are conserved across various stages, from crop cultivation to food production, transportation, and distribution.

Importance of Reducing Food Loss and Waste

• Efforts to minimize food loss at the farm level are crucial for addressing food insecurity and reducing strain on land and water resources.
• Downstream reductions in food waste within the supply chain and among consumers play a pivotal role in mitigating greenhouse gas emissions.
• The most significant enhancements in food security are anticipated through reductions in food losses during early supply chain stages, particularly on farms and during harvest, particularly in regions with elevated levels of food insecurity.
• Nutrient loss resulting from both quantitative and qualitative food loss and waste represents a missed opportunity for combatting malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies.
• Reduction of methane emissions from landfills and mitigation of carbon footprint.
• Conservation of energy and resources, thereby mitigating pollution associated with food production, processing, transportation, and distribution (including waste disposal processes).

Way Forward

• Educate children on the significance of food and the environmental impact of food waste.
• Establish a practice of donating surplus uneaten food from household gatherings to charitable organizations through local NGOs.
• Adopt essential food safety practices to minimize food waste.
• Implement food waste audits to identify patterns and reasons for food wastage.
• Ensure proper storage facilities and maintain appropriate temperatures for perishable items.
• Regularly monitor fridge and freezer temperatures, check seals, and rotate stock to prevent spoilage.
• Enforce regulations similar to those in France, where supermarkets are obligated to donate unsold food to charity or farmers for conversion into fertilizers.
• Embrace initiatives like Canada's food recovery programs, which collect unused food from various sources to prepare meals for thousands daily.
• Follow Sweden's example of implementing recycling programs to minimize landfill waste, with a substantial portion of household waste being converted into energy.