This week we celebrated World Food Day, a global initiative by the Food and Agricultural Organisation of the United Nations aimed at raising awareness of hunger and the need to ensure food security and nutrition for all.
World Food Day provides an opportunity to show your commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goal of Zero Hunger and as such businesses, corporations and individuals are encouraged to get involved.
With Australia throwing out in excess of $8 billion of food every year, it’s time we took the #zerohunger challenge.
Managing Director of online office catering leader Order-In, Jonathan Rowley suggests all businesses can think about how to reduce their food wastage.
“As an organisation, we are very aware of this issue, which is why we are long-term supporters of OzHarvest. We have looked at the reduction habits of hundreds of our customers and found that the best practices to prevent food wastage at work, many of which can also translate to the home, are very easily implemented.” Rowley says.
With 4 million tonnes of food ending up in landfill each year, Rowley suggests businesses should consider donating their excess.
“There are many charities or organisations that will happily collect your unused produce and reallocate to places or people in need. This is perfect for when you’ve ordered too much food or if a meeting has been cancelled at the last minute,” Rowley says.
Rowley also suggests anyone responsible for the office catering should consider purchasing in-season produce.“Seasonal food will most likely be locally produced, meaning you will be supporting our farmers and growers. The produce will also be fresher, taste better and won’t perish as fast.”
“Seasonal food will most likely be locally produced, meaning you will be supporting our farmers and growers. The produce will also be fresher, taste better and won’t perish as fast.”
If you’re planning a corporate event use reusable plate and serving ware. If you most go for a disposable option make sure they are biodegradable or can be composted.
Rowley suggests similar tips can also be used at home: Purchase local in-season produce, only buy what you need (always shop with a list) and sort through your cupboards and fridge – moving older purchases to the front so you use them first before they expire.
Jonathan adds, “We all have to do our bit and at Order-In, we actively encourage all of our corporate catering clients to notify OzHarvest when they have a surplus of food that is perfectly edible. We urge all households and offices to do the same”.
“We also offer our clients the option to make a $1 donation each time they place an order, which goes directly to OzHarvest. It might seem like a small contribution but over the length of our partnership, we have matched this dollar for dollar and have raised close to $8,000, which has provided more than 16,000 meals to disadvantaged and vulnerable men, women and children over that time frame. World Food Day is a good reminder of how fortunate we are and how we can all do our little bit to make it count.”
What are you doing to support World Food Day? Post us your initiatives to our Facebook Group with the #zerohunger.
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