The Link Between Food Waste and Hunger in Ireland

We all know that food waste is a major problem in the world, but did you know that it’s also linked to hunger in Ireland? The fact is, while there are people going hungry all across the country, there are also tons of food being wasted by households and businesses. In this blog post, we’ll delve deeper into the relationship between food waste and hunger in Ireland and explore some of the ways we can tackle the problem together.

Food waste in Ireland is a big problem

In Ireland, food waste is a major issue. According to research by the EPA, we throw away over one million tonnes of food every year. This amounts to around €700 worth of food being thrown away by the average household. But what’s even more alarming is that at the same time, one in eight people in Ireland are experiencing food poverty. That’s around 600,000 people! This shows us that the problem of food waste is not just an environmental one, but a social one too.

So, how do we tackle this issue? A crucial step is to reduce the amount of food waste generated by households. This can involve better meal planning, smarter storage, and buying only what we need. It’s also important for households to compost their food waste, which can help reduce the amount of food that ends up in landfills. Additionally, we can make a difference with smarter food choices, choosing sustainable and plant-based sources of food, such as vegetables and grains, to reduce food waste and carbon emissions.

Irish businesses tackling food waste in Ireland

Beyond reducing household waste, we need to look at how businesses can do their part as well. Large food retailers, restaurants, and other businesses across the country can make a significant impact by taking steps to reduce food waste in their operations. This can include things like donating unused food to charities, improving supply chain management, and reducing overproduction. Some innovative programs like ‘FoodCloud’ is helping supermarkets and retailers to donate surpluses and help people in need.

But even more than the issue of food waste, we need to think about how we support those who are struggling with food poverty in Ireland. The government and charities play a vital role in addressing this. In recent years, schemes like the School Meals Programme have helped provide healthy meals to thousands of children who would otherwise not get them. Organizations like FoodCloud are working to ensure that surplus food from retailers is redistributed to people in need, providing food to those who don’t have it.

Conclusion:

Food waste is a complex issue that requires a multi-faceted approach to solve. By reducing household waste, encouraging businesses to do more, and supporting those in need, we can make a significant impact in alleviating food poverty and reducing waste in Ireland. Let us do our part and create the change that Ireland needs.

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