“On Sept 29, the UN marks International Day of Awareness on Food Loss and Waste, urging global action to curb waste, protect resources, and ensure food security.”

Introduction

Every day, millions of tons of edible food are discarded while more than 800 million people struggle with hunger. The paradox of waste amid scarcity underscores one of the greatest challenges facing humanity. On September 29, the United Nations observes the International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste (IDAFLW) — an urgent call for collective action to reduce food loss across supply chains and eliminate unnecessary waste in households and retail.

The Global Context

Food waste is not merely a matter of inefficiency; it is an economic, environmental, and moral crisis. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), around 13.2% of global food production is lost during post-harvest processes before reaching retail markets. Additionally, 19% of food is wasted by retailers, restaurants, and households.

This waste represents more than discarded produce; it reflects wasted water, energy, land, and labor. At the same time, one in nine people faced hunger in 2023, and nearly 2.3 billion people experienced moderate to severe food insecurity. With the global population projected to reach 9.7 billion by 2050, the strain on food systems will only intensify.

Why the Day Matters

The IDAFLW is significant because it directly ties into the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 12: Sustainable Consumption and Production. Target 12.3 sets a clear directive — halve global food waste by 2030 at consumer and retail levels while reducing losses across production and supply chains.

The stakes are high. Food loss and waste account for nearly 8–10% of global greenhouse gas emissions, fueling climate change. When edible food decomposes in landfills, it produces methane, a greenhouse gas far more potent than carbon dioxide in the short term. This exacerbates global warming and undermines efforts to create sustainable agrifood systems.

Expert Insight and Public Voices

Experts stress that reducing food waste requires systemic change.
“Every meal thrown away is not just a lost plate of food — it is the squandering of farmers’ hard work, wasted energy in processing and transport, and a blow to our climate,” notes Maria Helena Semedo, Deputy Director-General of FAO.

Civil society groups echo these concerns. Food banks, zero-waste organizations, and grassroots networks worldwide are championing solutions ranging from surplus redistribution to educational campaigns encouraging mindful consumption at home. In many urban communities, initiatives like “community fridges” and food-sharing apps are gaining momentum, demonstrating how collective action can make a difference.

Impact and Implications

If current rates of food loss and waste continue, feeding the world sustainably will become increasingly difficult. Reducing lost and wasted food offers a triple win:

• Food Security: Ensuring more food reaches those who need it most.

• Environmental Protection: Conserving natural resources and cutting emissions.

• Economic Value: Lowering food prices, reducing costs for businesses, and creating new jobs in recycling and composting industries.

Innovations such as digital tracking systems, AI-driven demand forecasting, and circular economy models are already helping food producers and retailers cut losses. Repurposing surplus into processed goods, livestock feed, or renewable energy offers additional opportunities to reduce waste footprints.

For households, small actions like meal planning, portion control, creative use of leftovers, and proper storage methods can significantly reduce waste.

Food Loss and Waste in Numbers

• 1.25 billion tonnes of food lost post-harvest and before retail in 2021.

• 1.05 billion tonnes wasted by consumers, food services, and retailers in 2022.

• Over 1 billion meals wasted daily — the equivalent of 1.3 meals per day for every person experiencing hunger.

• 2.33 billion people were moderately or severely food insecure in 2023.

• 1 in 11 people worldwide experienced hunger in 2023.

• Food waste contributes 8–10% of global GHG emissions annually.

Conclusion

The International Day of Awareness on Food Loss and Waste is a reminder that solving hunger is not solely about producing more food, but about using what we already have wisely. Governments, businesses, and individuals alike play a role in reshaping our relationship with food. By halving food waste and cutting losses across supply chains, humanity can take a decisive step toward climate action, sustainable food systems, and a hunger-free world.

September 29 is not just a date on the calendar — it is a call to rethink, reduce, and respect the food that sustains us all.

Disclaimer :This article is intended for informational purposes only. All data and statistics are sourced from credible organizations such as the United Nations and FAO. Readers are advised to consult official UN and FAO reports for detailed insights.

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