The Impact of Food Waste on Food Insecurity

Food waste significantly contributes to food insecurity. When nutritious food is discarded, it not only leaves families hungry but also exacerbates the hunger crisis. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), around 690 million people worldwide are classified as undernourished. A staggering 931 million tons of food are wasted annually, equating to nearly 24% of all food produced. This immense waste could otherwise have been used to alleviate hunger.

The implications extend beyond hunger; food waste poses severe environmental hazards. When food decomposes in landfills, it generates methane, a greenhouse gas over 25 times more potent than carbon dioxide over a 100-year period. This process accelerates climate change, creating a feedback loop that threatens food security further. By tackling food waste, we not only fight hunger but also take vital steps to protect our planet.