Rishaan Sharath

Middle School Finalist, Grade 6
Bargersville, Indiana

From Plate to Bin- India’s Food Waste Crisis

Understanding India's Food Catastrophe

India, one of the world’s most crowded countries, has substantially improved its economic status and living conditions since its independence in 1947. Many problems in India still lay unnoticed, though. One huge problem that left me guilty was food waste.

Have you ever looked at your plate while throwing your remains away and asked yourself, “How much food am I wasting, and how much harm does this cause?” Over my research time, I have realized how much food is being thrown into the bins and the amount of harm being done to the environment and humankind.

Understanding the Impacts

The repercussions of food waste every year are very concerning. 73 million tons of food is being discarded into the bins in India every year. Upon collection, your food waste embarks on an intricate and multifaceted process. Over the course, half of the original waste (36.5 million tons) ends up in landfills. This horrifying fact not only leaves safety hazards, but also gives in to one of India's biggest and most treacherous issues: global warming! According to the USA Environmental Protection Agency, “The wasted food rots and produces methane, a greenhouse gas 28 times as powerful as CO2 at trapping heat in the atmosphere.” The EPA estimates that wasted food is accountable for 58% of landfill methane emissions to the atmosphere.

A Disheartening Encounter with Food Waste in India

On my recent trip to Chennai, we went to the beach (one of the world’s longest shorelines, which was mesmerizing). We finished playing and walked back to the car, where we saw many food stalls selling snacks. After people finished the food, they threw their food remains on the ground. I was horrified when I saw this. That was when I decided to take part and help this food waste catastrophe.

How Can US residents help solve the issue?

The Public Foundation- (Initiative-1):

One impactful way US residents can help address food waste in India is by having our dear ones in India participate and donate excess food (not waste) to the Public Foundation. The foundation establishes community fridges where surplus food can be stored for free distribution to the poor and needy. The foundation is aiming to have community fridges all over India! They are in the process of installing fridges in the states of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka and are soon going to expand north. Alternatively, we can also contribute by donating to the foundation.

No Food Waste- (Initiative 2):

“No Food Waste” is an organization determined to diminish food waste in India. No Food Waste has helped recover 3,125,515 plates of surplus food across India, feeding 1,964,780 needy people. It connects with businesses and restaurants to donate excess food to the needy. Donating to this organization can help solve not one but two issues: food waste and hunger.

Create Awareness- The easiest thing YOU can do! US residents can also help create awareness. Social media posts covering real-time experiences like mine can educate many people on how food waste in India is making a difference on Earth.

Conclusion

Food waste in India is a significant issue, contributing to environmental harm. Supporting initiatives like the Public Foundation, and “No Food Waste”, can make a real difference. Remember, all you need is a generous heart to donate extra food made at home to the needy people in our world. As Swami Vivekananda said, “Do not waste even one grain of rice. It is as if you are stealing from the poor.”