💶Economic impact
"The Hidden Cost of Food Waste in Our System"
Have you ever thought about the economic impact of food that’s lost along the way from farms to our homes? Food waste is a big challenge that affects not just our planet but also everyone’s pockets, from families to entire economies. But you, with your work in the classroom, have the power to inspire students to make a change and promote a more fair and responsible use of the food we have.
A Global Issue We Can Face Together
🌱 Lost Economic Value: In its Guidance Note "Gender and Food Loss in Sustainable Food Value Chains" (Page 5), The FAO reminds us that each year, food worth around $940 billion is lost. Imagine everything we could achieve with those resources if they were put to use 🤯.
🚚 Supply Chain Efficiency: Every step in the food supply chain takes time, effort, and resources like water, energy, and labor. When food isn’t consumed, all those resources go to waste too.
📉 International Trade Impact: Some countries import a lot of their food, and when it’s wasted, the impact goes beyond a simple loss—it affects prices, exports, and ultimately the people who depend on that income.
Looking Closer: Impact on Our Country and Community
♻️ Waste Management Costs: Governments spend a lot on managing food waste. With your help, students can learn about the life cycle of food and how to reduce waste, which in turn can ease these costs in their own communities.
🌾 Food Industry Effects: From farms to supermarkets, when food isn’t sold, it affects the entire industry. Teaching students about the importance of making the most of food also supports local farmers and producers.
💸 Subsidies and Policies: Many governments support food production, but what if some of that food ends up wasted? Learning about and teaching responsible consumption can help us make the most of every resource.
At Home, Every Bit Counts
🍎 Family Budgets: In our homes, the food we buy but don’t eat is a direct loss. Through education, students can learn how to value and manage what they have wisely.
💡 Opportunity Costs: Every piece of food wasted is a missed chance to invest in something important, like education or the future of our families. Let’s help students see the value of every decision they make.
If you want to know more about how these costs are calculated you can visit the FAO's Technical Platform on Measuring and Reducing Food Losses and Food Waste.
Last updated