The issue of food waste is multifaceted, impacting the environment, economy, and society at large. When food is thrown away, it’s not just the product that’s wasted but also all the water, land, and energy that goes into producing it.
As the cost of living crisis continues to bite, it’s more important than ever to address this profligate behaviour. More so, hunger and food insecurity affect millions in the world. This is why it’s alarming that a staggering amount of food is discarded annually in Australia alone.
With nearly 3.5 million households in Australia running out of food in the last year, according to hunger relief charity Foodbank, finding out that 7.6 million tonnes of food wasted in the country each year pictures a stark reality.
This figure is not just a statistic; it represents a colossal waste of resources and a missed opportunity to support those in need. It is reportedly enough food to fill the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground ten times over, and what’s more concerning is that over 70 per cent of this discarded food is perfectly edible.
Fortunately, there are glimmers of hope and progress. The Australian Food Pact, a collective of big supermarket chains like Coles and Woolworths, caterers, and manufacturers, has made strides in reducing food waste.
Over the past three years, these signatories have cut their food waste by 13 per cent. Their concerted effort has led to avoiding an estimated 505,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions and saving about 16,000 tonnes of food between 2022 and 2024.
The environmental benefits of reducing food waste are immense, conserving precious resources such as water and arable land. Moreover, the social impact is significant, with surplus food being redirected to feed those who need it most. Over 250 million meals have been donated to food rescue organisations by the pact’s signatories, showcasing the power of collaboration and industry leadership.
Sam Oakden, the acting director of the group, emphasises the importance of continued efforts: ‘Pact signatories are demonstrating real leadership by reducing surplus and repurposing unsold food. But there is more work ahead if Australia is to reach its target of halving food waste by 2030.’
Financial savings have also been a byproduct of these waste reduction efforts, with the report estimating a combined $57 million retained by food sellers. Additionally, nearly 50 signatories, including multinational corporations such as Nestle and McCain, have avoided $2 million in landfill levies.
Despite these positive steps, the current tax framework in Australia does not incentivise businesses to donate surplus food to charities, treating food donations the same as waste disposal. This is a significant barrier that needs to be addressed.
End Food Waste Australia advocates for the introduction of a food donation tax incentive, similar to those in Canada, France, and the United States, to encourage businesses to redirect an estimated 100 million meals to those in need rather than sending them to landfills.
As readers of YourLifeChoices, we understand the importance of sustainability and community support. We can all play a part in reducing food waste, whether it’s by being more mindful of our purchases, using leftovers creatively, or supporting policies that promote food donation.
We invite you to share your thoughts on this topic. Have you found ways to reduce food waste in your own life? Do you support the idea of a food donation tax incentive? Join the conversation below.
Also read: When NSW’s organic waste law kicks in: Suburbs face a stinky surprise
