FAO and UN launch International Day to mark food loss

29 Sep 2020 --- The UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the UN Environment Programme and their partners have marked today as the first International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste.

The marking of the day – under the slogan “Stop food loss and waste. For the people. For the planet,” will take place during the 75th session of the UN General Assembly.

The day is cited in the context of rising global hunger and climate change, the COVID-19 pandemic’s ongoing threat to the food and nutrition security of millions of people, and increased food loss and waste – a result of movement and transport restrictions due to the pandemic.

Each year, around 14 percent of the world’s food is lost before reaching its intended market. COVID-19 aside, each year, about 14 percent of the world’s food is lost before even reaching the market. Food loss is valued at US$400 billion annually, and food loss and waste generate eight percent of global greenhouse gas emissions.

The global event is an opportunity to send a message for everyone to step up their actions to stem food loss and waste. 

The event is taking place virtually today, 10:00-13:30 EDT and 16:00-19:30 CEST.

FAO and the UN Environment Programme will host the event. These agencies were instrumental in establishing the international day through a UN General Assembly resolution adopted unanimously last year.

Edited by Elizabeth Green