The Fight Against Food Waste: A Closer Look at Foodwise's Initiatives

Tackling Food Waste: The Foodwise Approach

Imagine a plate filled with rice, vegetables, and perhaps some meat. Now imagine tossing one-third of it into the trash. It's a startling image, isn't it? Yet, this is the harsh reality on a global scale, with a staggering one-third of all produced food ending up as waste.

In her talk, Ms Zainal Kureeman provided a glimpse of the activities of Foodwise to tackle the Food Waste in Mauritius

1. Foodwise's Mission and Operations:
• Foodwise, where the speaker, Ms Zainal Kureeman, is in charge of operations, is a social enterprise dedicated to combating food waste in Mauritius.
• Their primary mission is threefold: To save food, empower the local community, and protect the environment.
• Their strategy involves collecting surplus food items from suppliers (ranging from supermarkets to restaurants) that might be nearing expiry or slightly damaged but are still fit for consumption.
• This collected food is then redistributed to NGOs, which support vulnerable populations, acting as a bridge between surplus food and those who need it.
2. The Impact So Far:
• In just four years, Foodwise's impact has been nothing short of remarkable. They've redistributed approximately 1000 tons of products, translating to 4.5 million, meals for vulnerable populations in Mauritius!
•  They achieve this by collecting surplus consumables from suppliers like supermarkets and restaurants. These might be items nearing their expiry date or slightly blemished yet perfectly edible. This food is then redirected to NGOs, ensuring that it nourishes those in need rather than filling up landfills
• Their collaboration network has expanded to over 190 NGOs throughout Mauritius, a testament to their extensive reach and impact.
3. The Global and Local Challenge:
• A staggering one-third of all food produced globally gets wasted, summing up to about 1.3 billion tons.
• In the context of Mauritius, the stats are alarming, with 279 kg of food being discarded every single minute. This waste could be attributed to various reasons, from consumer perceptions to improper stock management.
• At Mare Chicose landfill, 27% of the waste is food-related, underscoring the gravity of the issue.
4. Strategies and Solutions:
• Foodwise promotes the "Food Recovery Hierarchy": A graded approach to managing food where the priority is to reduce waste at the source, then feed the hungry, followed by repurposing food for animals, and composting. Only when all these avenues are exhausted should food end up in landfills.
5. Advocacy and Legal Changes:
• Beyond food distribution, Foodwise has been actively involved in policy advocacy. One of Foodwise's standout achievements has been its advocacy for a change in the Food Regulations Act in Mauritius. As of 2022, there's a clear distinction between "best before" and "expiry" dates on product labels, a move that aims to reduce unnecessary waste. Their "Part on Date Label" project aims to further educate the masses about this vital distinction.
• A major concern is that, despite the legal change, there is a lack of awareness. Consumers often confuse the two labels, and retailers are hesitant to stock items nearing their best-before dates.
6. Upcoming Initiatives:
• Foodwise is gearing up for a national campaign on the "best before" label, set to launch on 16th October, World Food Day. The objective? To shift mindsets, educate consumers, and promote the sustainable choice of utilizing products post the "best before" date but before the actual expiry.
• The campaign aims to educate consumers, change consumption patterns, and promote the sustainable choice of using products even after the "best before" date but before the expiry date.
7. Concluding Thoughts & Discussion:
• The speaker emphasized personal responsibility, urging individuals to be more conscious of their consumption habits. This could range from making informed choices in supermarkets to reducing plate waste.
• The service sector, especially restaurants, was also highlighted. Suggestions included offering smaller portion sizes to mitigate waste.
• Food waste is not just an environmental concern; it's a reflection of our values, ethics, and priorities. As we look ahead, let's take inspiration from Foodwise and champion sustainable consumption. Remember, every morsel saved is a step towards a more equitable and sustainable world.