Wasting food in a starving world

Food is a necessity for survival, yet in many parts of the world, it is treated as a disposable luxury. While millions suffer from hunger, struggling to find a single meal, lavish feasts and excessive waste have become the norm in privileged societies. The contrast is undeniable, and the consequences are devastating.

Recently, I witnessed a heartbreaking scene near my home. A tramp roamed the streets, scavenging for food from the garbage discarded by a nearby wedding hall. As I watched from my balcony, I saw him, accompanied by stray dogs, picking through leftovers, cleaning them off, and eating right there on the pavement. The sight shook me. It was a painful reminder of how carelessly we waste what others desperately need, the very means of survival and a blessing from the Creator.

Now, let us pause and review our own gatherings — weddings, parties and community events - where food is served in abundance, often far beyond what is needed. Do we truly appreciate what we have, or have we become blind to the privilege of a full plate?

At Pakistani weddings, food is usually prepared in excess, with a wide variety of dishes to impress guests and maintain social honour. Dishes such as qorma, karahi, biryani and barbecued meats are commonly served. However, the amount of food prepared far exceeds what guests can actually consume. Leftovers are frequently discarded, as many hosts consider distributing surplus food to be undignified.

I once read news about a group of friends from Pakistan who were visiting Germany. They dined at a restaurant in Berlin and ordered more food than they could eat. Leaving large portions untouched, they called for the bill. A nearby diner, upset by the waste, alerted the police. Officers reminded them that food waste is taken seriously in Germany, and the restaurant charged them an extra fee as a penalty for wasting food. Ashamed of a practice common in their own country, they left, realising that respect for food is a universal value.

According to estimates, 30-40% of Pakistan's food supply is wasted annually, amounting to millions of tonnes of edible food being discarded. This occurs despite widespread poverty — 25.3% of Pakistanis lived below the poverty line as of 2024, a 7% increase from the previous year. The UN's Food Waste Index Report highlights this global crisis, revealing that over $1 trillion worth of food is wasted annually while nearly 800 million people go hungry.

Hotels and restaurants in Pakistan waste a lot of food, especially at buffets, where people take more than they can eat. Many believe that more food means better hospitality. The culture of excess in Pakistani society is influenced by a mentality that equates quantity with generosity, so hosts prepare too much to avoid criticism. There is also little awareness of how food waste affects the environment and society.

The Quran warns against excess: "Eat and drink, but waste not by excess; Verily, He loves not the excessive" (Surah Al-A'raf 7:31). However, this religious obligation is often overshadowed by cultural practices.

Countries like Sweden and Germany teach food waste reduction in schools and reinforce it through public campaigns, educating citizens on its environmental impact. Sweden's 'Zero Waste' initiative focuses on repurposing leftovers, making Sweden one of the least wasteful nations. France mandates supermarkets to donate unsold food, while Italy provides tax incentives for food donations.

In Japan, wedding hosts serve measured portions and repurpose leftovers into takeaway boxes to show respect for food and sustainability. There is a need to implement similar practices in Pakistan through education and strict policies to reduce waste, address food insecurity and proper consumption.

Enforcing food waste policies in Pakistan, like tax incentives for donations and penalties for excess, can reduce waste and tackle food insecurity. Globally, one-third of food is wasted while millions starve. This is not just devastating but a moral crisis. We must value food and use it wisely.