Food waste is a global problem. Roughly one-third of the food produced worldwide gets lost or is wasted in food production or simply goes uneaten, according to a recent report by UNEP and the World Resources Institute. Between 35 and 50 per cent of the total waste generated in Abu Dhabi is food, which dramatically increases during Ramadan every year.
There have been many admirable private initiatives to prevent food waste across the country. Saving Grace, for example, is an arm of the Red Crescent that collects and distributes leftover food from around the country. As The National reported yesterday, the initiative has been collaborating with Emirates Palace hotel in Abu Dhabi since 2012 to distribute untouched iftar dishes to labour camp workers and needy families.
These efforts are having a positive effect. So much so that we should consider efforts to broaden their reach throughout the entire year. With the right organisational infrastructure in place, we can create a system that would ensure that unused food from hotels and supermarkets makes it into the hands of the needy.
Some countries have already introduced legislation to this end. In France, a law has been passed that compels supermarkets to donate unsold food to charity or food banks. Italy is also set to pass a law to give businesses incentives to donate food and amend food safety regulations allowing them to donate food after its “best before” date is expired. And Denmark has opened its first WeFood supermarket also this year, selling expired but perfectly edible products at prices 30 to 50 per cent cheaper than normal supermarkets.
Such a system here would need to adhere to the highest standards of safety and health. With a national organisation in place that could prudently oversee the collection of food, we could build upon the lessons of Ramadan to help all sectors of society throughout the year. The outpouring of goodwill for those in need during this month is a testament to our commitment that no one in the country will go hungry.
