
International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste
Think. Eat. Save.
This year we celebrate the first ever observance of the International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste.
Today, FAO estimates that roughly one third (by weight) of the edible parts of food produced globally for human consumption is lost or wasted, which is around 1.3 billion tonnes of food loss and waste per year. Some of the most nutritious foods, fruit and vegetables, account for approximately 44% of food loss and waste by weight. Consumers are one of the leading contributors of food waste, driving retail production demands through choice and over consumption.
The time to Act is Now! As individuals you can make a difference simply by what you choose to put on your plate, repurpose and take from the environment. You can be a conscious consumer helping to shape a better food system for the future.

To celebrate and raise awareness, our partner UNEP will be looking for your
inspiring Kitchen Memories to share on social media that can help get others
to take action and make better choices for our environment and food system.
By sharing "Kitchen Memories" from our Family and our Refettorios we invite people to share memories, tips and ideas from their kitchen that help promote and take actions of sustainability for the health of the planet and well-being of people.
THINK. Wasting food is often a subconscious act. You might think it's not something you do, but check out these facts and you'll realise there's so much food going to waste, some of it might actually be coming from you!
EAT. Take inspiration from our recipes, follow the tips from our chefs and share your kitchen memories with us.
SAVE. Help us achieve SDG's Goal #12.3, commit to an Act of Change and Love for people and the planet and inspire others around you to do the same!

Kitchen Memories
Think. Eat. Save.
Think.Eat.Save, is a partnership between UNEP and FAO contributing to the Sustainable Food Systems Programme of the One Planet Network, to raise awareness of global and local food waste and how to reduce its impact.
We hope to be a place of inspiration, where you can Learn, Share, and Act, starting in the kitchen - cooking with love, for people and the planet.

Why is it important to reduce food loss and waste?
What are the key messages?
1. Reducing food losses and waste provides a powerful means to rebuild a more sustainable, healthy and equitable food system.
Why reducing Food Loss and Waste represents a key climate solution:
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Each year, an estimated one third of all food produced – equivalent to 1.3 billion tonnes worth around $1 trillion – ends up rotting in the bins of consumers and retailers, or spoiling due to poor transportation and harvesting practices. -
If people worldwide switched to energy efficient light bulbs the world would save US$120 billion annually. -
Should the global population reach 9.6 billion by 2050, the equivalent of almost three planets could be required to provide the natural resources needed to sustain current lifestyles.

What is the International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste?
This year we celebrate the first ever observance of the International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste. It comes during the global COVID-19 pandemic, that has brought about a global wake-up on the need to transform and rebalance the way our food is produced and consumed. Actions are required at the local and global level to rethink the way we produce and consume food. Reducing food loss and waste requires the attention and actions of all, from food producers, to food supply chain stakeholders, to food industries, retailers and consumers.
1. Think



2. Eat.
Long before banana breads made it to the top of social media’ hit lists during the lockdown, someone else was running their kitchens with very little waste: our grandparents. They were ingenious in the way they were using ingredients and making their meal plans.
Passatelli in broth
by Massimo Bottura

“One of my favorite recipes made with leftover ingredients is Passatelli, one that anyone can easily replicate at home. It comes from 'Cucina Povera', the tradition of making great food with simple and available ingredients without wasting anything. And that’s how breadcrumbs, eggs and Parmesan cheese can be turned into a soul-warming bowl of noodles in broth. Breadcrumbs are the epitome of the 'waste not, want not' food ethic.
My grandmother Ancella used to do this recipe for my family. I learnt from her and now I love making it for my family. Her recipe has been passed down from generation to generation in my family. The recipe is so easy and children friendly, that’s why I encourage everyone to spend time with their family or loved ones and get messy together!”

Here are some examples of tips and recipes from our Refettorios:
3. Save.
Action 1: Take Action #KitchenMemories
Download Food for Soul “Tips in the Kitchen” in partnership with
Action 2: Join the Global Movement
Help us achieve SDG's Goal #12.3, commit to an Act of Change and Love for people and the planet and inspire others around you to do the same!
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Put your chef's hat on, take inspShare, share, share! Post your creations on social media using the hashtag #CookingIsAnActOfLove and #KitchenMemories or tagging Food for Soul, invite your friends and loved ones to submit their own recipes and help us spread the love.
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Submit your recipe with a picture and the story behind it, tell us why Cooking is an Act of Love for you, and we will share it here for everyone to enjoy it.
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Share, share, share! Post your creations on social media using the hashtag #CookingIsAnActOfLove or tagging Food for Soul, invite your friends and loved ones to submit their own recipes and help us spread the love.
Action 3: Get Involved
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Take inspiration from Massimo Bottura's Passatelli in broth or from the many recipes from Bread is Gold and become a more conscious consumer and cook.
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Become a volunteer
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Donate

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!
Share with us your Kitchen Memories and tell us about your act of love for people and the planet.