How can we solve the Food Waste Issue in the Philippines?

As what I have observed in Cebu, Philippines, there?s a lot a people who cannot afford to eat three times a day due to financial crisis. But still according to United Nations Development Program, almost one-third of the food produced globally are wasted.

Food wasting refers to uneaten and thrown away food. The top causes of food wasting, the study said, are purchasing too much food products, preparing more than what can be eaten, improper food storage, and not consuming leftovers.

In addition, buying in bulk and shopping monthly – an act usually done to ?save money? – actually contributes more to food wastage.

This issue on food waste seems to be sad that needs to be address. So here are the some tips for you from Rappler.com

Fixing the problem

According to the United Nations Development Program, almost one-third of the food produced globally is wasted.

In the Philippines, data from the Philippine Rice Research Institute show that each Filipino wastes an average of 3.29 kilograms of rice annually. (READ: PH food wastage: Think twice before wasting your meal)

Food wastage is sometimes caused by the production process itself, in which case, it is called food loss. It cannot be denied, however, that "irresponsible" food-related habits contribute to the rising global food waste. But these can easily be solved, according to the study.

"Fortunately, most of the factors that lead to food waste can be easily remedied by simple changes in food buying, preparing, and storing,? Getulio Vargas Foundation?s Gustavo Porpino said.

The study suggested strategies to reduce food wastage, including properly spacing shopping for food products and preparing the right quantity of food for the family.

It added that low-income households should be taught to efficiently cook meals, proper shopping planning strategies and food storage. If permitted, grocery stores should offer ?educational sessions? wherein people can learn cooking tips and storing techniques which can ?build store loyalty and help consumers waste less.?

?These techniques can have a significant impact on reducing food waste and saving money,? Porpino emphasized.

Being self-aware

Parents often remind their children to finish their food since many are going hungry.

This is true as latest data from the Food and Agricultural Organization of the UN show that there are more than 700 million people suffering from hunger.

The UN?s Zero Hunger Challenge includes the prevention of food wasting. This goes to show that the simple acts of finishing the content of one?s meal plate and being self-aware about the quantity of purchased and prepared food can contribute to ending food insecurity and eventually hunger.

http://www.rappler.com/move-ph/issues/hunger/95957-food-wastage-household