With sunken cheekbones, his bones peeping out of his body and his eyes hollows of sorrow looking for food everywhere, yet it is nowhere to be found. Troubled at the thought he looks in the eyes of his two years old son, as if wondering how he would survive in this world. A two-rupee bottle of poison seems like a better option than a fifty rupee meal to fill the stomach of his whole family. This might come as a shock but, according to a report by CRS journal, Indians waste as much food as the whole of United Kingdom consumes.
Hunger has always been an issue of major concern for India. The increasing population is one of the most important reasons behind this crisis. However, there are various steps for improving these conditions. Even a small step might help a person live; it might help him choose that fifty rupee meal instead of that 2 rupee bottle of poison. By planning out a grocery list before shopping and noting them down in realistic quantities will be of great help.
Household food wastage is one of the main reasons behind this crisis. According to the United Nations Development Programme, up to 40% of the food produced in India is wasted. About 21 million tonnes of wheat are wasted in India and 50% of all food across the world meets the same fate and never reaches the needy.
This reminds me of the lavish marriages that happen in India and the variety of food served there. It has become more of a show-off now a days where people bring out their life savings and spend generously. People try to accommodate varieties of food which many a times exceeds the number of guests. *Sarcasm* I wonder why people fill their plates in the first place and then jump on to another dish and throw the previous one.
PAUSE. THINK. PROCEED. Just once, think of those kids who scan garbage with a hope to find something to eat.
Another innovative step taken by Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) is known to be of great help.
It focuses on making people realize about the food wastage that takes place daily in their canteen and the help that could have been provided to the needy if this food was saved. So few days ago, TCS put up a notice to remind people of the importance of the food. Sadly, a company had to step up to make people understand as to why Food Wastage is a matter of concern.
This method can be put into use in various places like school canteens, restaurants, hotels etc. Also, the food that is not consumed but is cooked can be provided to NGO’s or orphanages. There exist many organizations who are working upon this. All you have to do is just give them a call and they’ll come to your place and collect all the food. However, just for the sake of humanity, PLEASE provide them with consumable food and not deteriorated food.
Selecting and consuming food on the basis of their shelf-life is another idea which can be out into use. Use the green-leafy vegetables first and then using the canned stuff before they expire. In case, food gets spoilt, one can always use it as compost.