International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste (IDAFLW) - 29 September
The world observes the International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste (IDAFLW) every year. This day highlights the urgent need to reduce food waste globally.
Source: GNews World DayThe International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste (IDAFLW) is observed annually on September 29. This day was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2019. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) lead the observance of IDAFLW. The main goal is to raise awareness about the significant problem of food loss and waste and to promote global efforts to reduce it. Food loss occurs from farm to retail, while food waste happens at the retail and consumer levels. Reducing food loss and waste is crucial for achieving food security, improving nutrition, and mitigating climate change. The IDAFLW encourages governments, businesses, and individuals to adopt sustainable practices to minimize food waste and its environmental impact.
This topic is important for competitive exams under General Awareness, particularly for UPSC GS Paper III (Agriculture, Food Security) and SSC/Banking exams (Important Days, International Organizations). Aspirants should know the date, the organizations involved, and the significance of reducing food loss and waste for sustainable development goals. Questions often focus on the purpose and the global impact of such observances.
- The International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste (IDAFLW) is observed on September 29 each year.
- The United Nations General Assembly established IDAFLW in 2019.
- The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and UNEP co-facilitate the observance of IDAFLW.
- Approximately 13.2% of all food produced is lost after harvest and before reaching retail.
- Around 17% of total global food production is wasted at retail and consumer levels.
- Reducing food loss and waste contributes to achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 12.3.
Food loss refers to the decrease in the quantity or quality of food resulting from decisions and actions by food suppliers in the chain, excluding retail and consumers. It typically occurs from harvest up to, but not including, the retail stage. Factors like inadequate storage, transportation issues, and processing inefficiencies contribute to food loss.
Food waste refers to food that is fit for human consumption but is not consumed because it is discarded, either before or after it spoils. This usually happens at the retail and consumer levels. Reasons include over-purchasing, poor meal planning, confusion over 'best before' dates, and large portion sizes.
The FAO is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. Founded in 1945, its headquarters are in Rome, Italy. It helps governments and development agencies coordinate their activities to improve and develop agriculture, forestry, fisheries, and land and water resources.
Examiners often ask about the dates of important international days, their founding organizations, and their core objectives. Be prepared for questions linking IDAFLW to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and global food security.
Remember 'FLW' for Food Loss and Waste, and '29th September' as the day we 'Save Food' (S for September, 29 for the date).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main purpose of the International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste?
The main purpose of IDAFLW is to raise global awareness about the significant problem of food loss and waste. It aims to promote collective action among governments, businesses, and individuals to reduce food loss and waste and its negative impacts on the environment and food security.
When was the International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste first observed?
The International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste was first observed in 2020. It was established by the United Nations General Assembly through a resolution adopted in December 2019, designating September 29 as the annual observance day.
Which UN organizations are involved in observing IDAFLW?
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) are the two primary UN organizations that co-facilitate the observance of the International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste (IDAFLW).