The UN said more than 1.3 billion tonnes of food — one-third of the all the food produced on the planet — is lost in production, distribution and consumption and that works out to a US $750-billion loss. Meanwhile, there are 870 million people that go hungry each and every day according to UN Food and Agricultural Organization?s (FAO).

I would like to share with all my friends very interesting article on food wastage. A unique 'roti bank' has been launched in the city, famous for its Ajanta-Ellora caves, for the poor. It is first of its kind at Aurangabad in Maharashtra, and second in India after a similar venture in Bundelkhand, Uttar Pradesh. It has 250 People as 'depositors' in the beginning. The poor, aged, sick or the unemployed people can 'withdraw' a basic fare of freshly-cooked rotis and a vegetarian or non-vegetarian dish.

Simply anyone can deliver them minimum freshly cooked two rotis and a plate of vegetarian or non-vegetarian food that they prepare for family at home daily. People can voluntarily 'deposit' their food, once a day or even more. The poor people can come any time to collect the food as per their convenience.

The unique bank provides special carry bags with a code number to each 'depositor' on receipt. It is checked for freshness and quality, and then disbursed to the lucky families daily.

They are now requesting to big restaurants, deluxe hotels, corporate and industrial canteens, flight kitchens and mega-event organizers to contribute their unconsumed, extra food for the Roti Bank to avoid food wastage and help the needy.

Similarly, in Mumbai large quantities of food from weddings, parties and other functions end up in the garbage bin. So the internationally known Mumbai Dabbawalas have these leftovers delivered to pavement dwellers, slum residents and anyone living below the breadline. Around 400 of them have started the initiative 'Roti Bank' to prevent the wastage of food at social functions this festive season.

The Dabbawalas, known for their efficient delivery of lunch boxes to people around Mumbai, have tied up with 30 major wedding planners and caterers who will call on two helpline numbers and schedule a 'pick-up'. The dabbawalas nearest to the location will collect it and distribute it among the needy. The Dabbawalas will work beyond their shift for Roti Bank in the afternoon and in the evening. Though the initiative has been launched with focus on year-end festivities, it will continue for the coming months. Hats off to the people like these who really want to do something to give back to the society.