Zero waste, zero hunger

Marking the World Food Day yesterday, many communities, social groups, and government departments discussed ways of combatting food wastage in the Kingdom. According to a statement issued by Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning Minister Essam Khalaf, the Kingdom wastes nearly 195,000 tonnes of food annually, which constitutes 35.2 percent of the total domestic waste generated.

Speaking to Tribune, Michelle Bailey, founder of Feed the Need Bahrain said, “It is time to rethink how we grow, share and consume our food. If done right, agriculture, forestry, and fisheries can provide nutritious food for all and generate decent incomes while supporting the people-centered rural development and protecting the environment.”

“Right now, our soils, freshwater, oceans, forests, and biodiversity are being rapidly degraded. Climate change is putting even more pressure on the resources we depend on, increasing risks associated with disasters, such as droughts and floods. “Many rural women and men can no longer make ends meet on their land, forcing them to migrate to cities in search of opportunities. Poor food security is also leading to malnutrition among millions of children.

“A profound change of the global food and agriculture system is needed if we are to nourish the 815 million people who suffer from hunger and the additional two billion people expected to be undernourished by 2050.” Michelle said investments in the field of agriculture are crucial to increase the capacity for agricultural productivity and sustainable food production systems that are necessary to help alleviate the perils of hunger.

“It was a simple idea to involve the community to lessen waste and ease hunger. The simple idea of sharing food is one that goes back generations and Bahrain is known for its love for communities.” Michelle said 40 percent of the food waste is generated from homes. “What Bahrain needs now is a full-time food bank to act as a conduit for any charity or organization dealing with the hunger.