No food left behind

According to a report by the Philippine Statistics Authority, 1.4 million households are considered “food poor.” This means that more and more individuals have limited access to nutritious food, often due to economic conditions. Attached to this also comes the issue of health and well being leading to a general feeling of food insecurity.

There have been a number of zero waste food programs around the world that have made considerable strides in terms of awareness and consciousness with regard to access to food and nutrition that have even partnered with top chefs in committing to reduce wastage inside the kitchen in order to increase the amount of food available for consumption. This does not mean that quality is sacrificed in the process.

Coming from a long line of cooks in the family, we too have been taught to properly use and distribute food among members so that everyone is fed appropriately and, of course, deliciously. But what exactly is the concept of zero food waste? There are those who seem to misunderstand this endeavor by classifying it as a “class action” towards the poor when in fact, responsible cooks, mothers or those in charge of the kitchen, and even in restaurants, are taught over time to practice the basics of zero wastage in their meals.

The concept of zero food waste aims to eliminate the disposal of food that could be consumed or repurposed. It consists of strategies and best practices that are designed to minimize waste in all stages of the chain of supply for food that includes production, processing, distribution and consumption. It is important to therefore understand the key elements that come with food security and zero food wastage. These key elements include prevention, which focuses on better planning and purchasing in order to prevent excess food production and waste.

Another key component which has somewhat become a cause for misunderstanding or perhaps even disinformation is on repurposing, where using leftover food in creative ways, such as making soup stock or even composting, is labeled as degrading when in fact, it is simply smart cooking.

Another key element is found in education, where raising awareness about food waste issues is crucial as well as encourages learners to take sustainable measures, especially in the area of consumerism and business. Collaboration among stakeholders involved in the food chain is another key factor as this includes our farmers, retailers and consumers, who are called to do their part in developing solutions for reducing waste. Last but not least, policies that implement food recovery and water reduction, coupled with technological innovations that promote food preservation, is also an important principle in maximizing our resources and minimizing the impact on environmental concerns.

Having said all this, the Department of Social Welfare and Development or DSWD has under its authority the “Walang Gutom Program 2027.” However, two things need to be made clear when it comes to this zero-hunger agenda as first, it is not a dole-out program, as beneficiaries must comply with two conditions so that they will not be de-listed. These conditions include mandatory attendance at nutrition education sessions that are held once a month in order to acquire not only the skills but the correct mindset in order to prepare healthy as well as tasty meals. It is important to note that the participation of beneficiaries in employment promotion activities at government job fairs or classes conducted by TESDA (Technical Education and Skills Development Authority) is necessary.

In summary, with food stamps such as the DSWD’s “Walang Gutom Program 2027: Food Stamp Program,” the fight against hunger aims at reducing food insecurity while helping families afford a nutritious diet. It should also help families budget their limited resources for other essential needs. It goes without saying that communities that learn to participate in programs that help people understand food security within the food chain involve practices that help reduce food waste and in fact raise awareness on national security as a whole. Food recovery programs are just as essential in helping alleviate hunger for Filipinos, especially when we understand that no food left behind means that it is always shared and hardly ever discarded or put to waste.