A recent United Nations report has shed light on the concerning issue of global food waste, indicating that an estimated 19% of the food produced worldwide in 2022, equivalent to 1.05 billion metric tons, went to waste. The report, titled the U.N. Environment Programme's Food Waste Index Report, aims to monitor countries' progress in halving food waste by 2030.
The study, co-authored by UNEP and WRAP, analyzed data from various sources, revealing that individuals waste approximately 79 kilograms of food annually, translating to over 1 billion meals discarded daily. Household waste accounted for the majority at 60%, followed by food service establishments at 28% and retailers at 12%.
Experts emphasize the environmental impact of food waste, with 8 to 10 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions attributed to this issue. If food waste were a country, it would rank third in emissions after China and the U.S. The report underscores the urgent need to address food waste not only to combat hunger but also to mitigate environmental damage.
While the report highlights progress in low- and middle-income countries, it stresses the importance of international cooperation led by wealthier nations to tackle this global challenge. Public-private partnerships and food redistribution initiatives, such as donating surplus food to those in need, are identified as effective strategies in reducing food waste.
Organizations like Food Banking Kenya are actively involved in redistributing surplus food to vulnerable populations, emphasizing the dual benefits of providing nutritious meals and reducing harmful emissions. The report calls for collective action to address food waste, emphasizing that it is a global issue that requires immediate attention.
The findings underscore the need for concerted efforts to combat food waste, not only to save resources and reduce environmental impact but also to ensure food security for all.
