Combatting Food Waste: Experts Call for Action
Experts gathered at a recent virtual awareness meeting emphasized the importance of preventing food waste through the adoption of affordable technologies, best practices, and awareness campaigns.
The academics and specialists agreed that Saudi Arabia must implement new initiatives to effectively combat the challenge of food waste and loss.
Titled “Stop Food Waste,” the virtual event organized by Saudi Platform in cooperation with Vision Platform revealed that more than 33 percent of food is wasted in the Kingdom, costing Saudi Arabia around SR40 billion ($10.66 billion) annually.
Najah Al-Omari, an international trainer and family counsellor, presented a video on recycling plant waste, emphasizing the importance of preserving food. She highlighted the difference between loss and waste, citing Qur’anic verses to drive her point home.
Al-Omari also presented data comparing Saudi citizens’ food consumption to global rates, showcasing the alarming disparity in food waste levels.
Furthermore, she shared practical solutions to reduce food waste and achieve sustainability, underlining the impact of food waste on individuals and the country as a whole.
Fahd Turkestani, an environmental expert, stressed the importance of awareness meetings in spreading the culture of grace and awareness in society. He cited examples from other countries like France, Italy, and Denmark where laws and initiatives have successfully reduced food waste.
Turkestani urged Saudi authorities to implement strict laws, fines, and penalties to combat waste effectively.
Meanwhile, Nouf Halawani, director of social responsibility projects at Savola World, highlighted the need for new technologies to reduce food waste.
Abdullah Osama Filali, chairman of the board of directors of the Hefz Al-Nema organization in the Makkah region, showcased successful initiatives undertaken by the association to reduce waste. These initiatives included agreements with hotels, restaurants, and wedding halls to distribute surplus food to the needy, benefiting 800,000 meals to needy families.