I. INTRODUCTION

One of the largest and most profitable sectors in the Philippine economy is the foodservice industry. Food waste is defined as any food that is fit for human consumption that is discarded, regardless of whether it is kept past its expiration date or allowed to spoil. Food waste disposal costs have significant environmental and social consequences for businesses.

The Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology estimates that 1,717 metric tons of food are wasted in the Philippines every day. The International Rice Research Institute estimates that P23 million in rice is wasted every day, enough to feed 4.3 million people. However, according to UNEP, 17 percent of total food available in 2019 was wasted.

II. PURPOSE

According to United Nations Environment Programme data, approximately 1.3 billion tons of food produced in the world each year is lost or wasted, while 811 million people go hungry. Per the Action Against Hunger, hunger has resurfaced after a decade of steady decline, affecting 9.9 percent of people worldwide.

With 1,717 metric tons of waste food, hunger and malnutrition remain persistent problems in the Philippines. This food waste could already feed many people who are hungry or malnourished. Spreading this awareness can help many people become more aware of the food that is being wasted, allowing them to consume the appropriate amount. It can also help fast-food restaurants separate the leftover food that can still be eaten by homeless people, reducing food waste and hunger.

III. DESCRIPTION

Food waste is unjustifiable in a world where millions of Filipinos go desperate for food. All affected parties must take steps to reduce food waste toward solving the problem of hunger. Food waste reduction efforts are aided by educating private-sector food retail establishments, particularly supermarkets and grocery stores. As these establishments contribute significantly to overall food waste by indiscriminately discarding leftover products that are still fit for human consumption, they are a major source of food waste.

IV. SUPPORT

This support does not require any money; it simply engages everyone to educate and spread awareness about the mentioned issue.

V. CONTACT INFORMATION

foodwaste_petition@gmail.com