
What did you learn about dietary choices from using the footprint calculator? Now imagine that you could translate what you learned into an effective societal policy on food- what would it be? And how would this policy effect the need to alleviate world hunger?
925 million people on earth do not have enough to eat according to the FAO [Food and Agricultural Organization]. That's almost 1 in 7 inhabitants of our planet!
Food & Hunger >
Don't waste food unnecessarily

While most of us can choose when and what to eat, millions of people around the world wonder if they’ll even have anything to eat at all. Huge amounts of food are thrown away every day, often because we prepare portions that are too large to finish. It’s time to become more aware of our habits. We should cook only as much as we really need, without excess. That way, we not only reduce food waste, but also show responsibility and respect for those who don’t even have the basics.

I agree. It's truly shocking to see how much food is truly wasted throughout the world. It's difficult for me to even comprehend that the United States wastes about 30-40% of what is grown. Furthermore, I am truly disappointed when I find uneaten meals simply in the trash, knowing that there are others who don't even know where they will get their next meal. I also feel that sharing and teaching others is a great idea! I believe teachers should educate the reduction of food waste to their students, and encourage the composting of raw foods.

I totally agree. I think worldwide food waste has become a major problem, especially in the U.S. I think many Americans have been taking food for granted. The Recycle Track System states that America wastes, “nearly 60 million tons — 120 billion pounds — every year”. We need to start cooking smaller portions of food because the food industry has normalized giant portions of food that the average person shouldn’t be able to finish. I think if America adjusts to making smaller portions of food and normalizing finishing what is on your plate, then Americans could reduce their food waste. I also think that restaurants typically throw away all their leftover food after a day. So instead of throwing away leftovers right away they could hand that food out to people who need it, like the homeless. That way, restaurants could reduce their amount of food waste and give food to those who are in dire need.

I completely agree with your argument. Especially in first-world countries, food waste has become such a big problem that has yet to be dealt with because it is not considered as big of a contribution to global warming as other things such as manufacturing and overconsumption are. My aunt works in the food waste industry, therefore I have grown up around a family that really considers the inappropriate use of food, and I still believe that it has been taken for granted. Food waste has become normalized in daily life, and many people don’t realize the environmental impact it has. Your post brings attention to an issue that is often ignored, and I think more awareness and responsibility are needed to create real change. One possible solution is implementing stronger food education programs in schools and communities to teach people how to shop, store, and consume food more sustainably.