Food is a basic need for survival of every living organism on the earth. Food wastage is a real problem in the world which will face several consequences.Food waste would be the third highest emitter ofgreen house gases like methane. Ithas direct impact on environment and contributes to climate change.Having food in our plate is real blessing for so many people, Still we are wasting food.

Reasons for food wastage are numerous like over buying or cooking, over production, spoilage of food, oversized portions, improper storage etc.It increases global food insecurity.  Wasting of food leads to scarcity  and it affects our economy by pushes upthe price of food.Wasting food is like stealing from the poor.

Most people are reported to die from hunger everyday. Lack of food causes malnutrition which leads to serious health issues like diabetes , heart diseases, eye problems, kwashiorkor, marasmus etc.

Reducing food waste is good for our well being. Extra food can be give to those who are in need and to people who are starving. Even stray animals like dogs, cats suffer from starvation. So we can also help them by providing leftover food and not just dumping them in the dustbins.It also means reducing unnecessary packaging waste by plastic.

If we make a few small changes to reduce food wastes we can make a big difference. Cutting food waste is a delicious way of saving money.Reducing food waste can generate a triple win: for the economy, food security, the environment.

Food waste management techniques:

Buy and cook food according to your needs.

• Proper storage of food.
• Feed people and animals in need if extra food is there.
• Recycle by composting.
• Before buying new food confirm the leftovers in kitchen and make a proper list.
• Think twice before throwing.
• Make a weekly menu.
• Plan meals ahead. So that grocery will be limited to purchase to that meal preparation and so is the food.
• Make sure whether you can eat or not before ordering in restaurants.
• Don’t serve extra in functions.
• Check your storage food regularly.
• Prevent leaving fooduneaten in meals.
• Keep a waste log to prevent repeating same in future.
• Maintain a price list , so that you may know how much you are wasting by throwing food.
• Eat local and seasonal food.
• Become a zero waste chef by using every piece of food like leaves, skins, stems .

“ Love and Food are meant for sharing not for wasting”.