International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste in United States ― Date, History, and Details
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History of International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste in United States and How to Celebrate/ Observe It
The International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste (FLW) was established in 2019 by the United Nations, a global body that works to promote sustainable development worldwide. The day is observed each year on September 29th. The initiative was developed to raise awareness about the global issue of food loss and waste, which has been estimated to account for between one-third and one-half of all food produced globally.
In the United States, the day is intended to bring attention to the fact that an estimated 40 percent of all food produced in the country is wasted due to overproduction and other factors. This is equivalent to wasting around 133 billion pounds of food annually, or approximately $161 billion worth of food each year. To celebrate or observe this important day, individuals can take part in activities such as donating food to local food banks, volunteering at community gardens, reducing their own food waste, or educating others about food waste.
Organizations across the US have also taken action to reduce food loss and waste, including through initiatives such as the USDA’s “Food Waste Challenge” and the EPA’s “Save the Food” campaign. These initiatives are aimed at encouraging businesses, schools, and households to adopt best practices to minimize food waste. On the International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste, individuals and organizations alike can join these efforts by pledging to reduce their own food waste and spread awareness about the issue.