Wasting Food: A Common but Concerning Issue

I was shocked, I was completely crushed after seeing those 4 slices of breads left completely untouched on the plate lying on the table next to mine.

This happened during one of my stays at a resort in Mysore, Karnataka. What for many would be a “chalta hai” (It’s ok) moment was an eye-opener for me.

The Reality of “FREE” Breakfasts

As an avid traveler, I’ve stayed at many resorts and hotels in India, most offering complimentary breakfast. While I enjoy these spreads, two things stand out:

1. It’s “FREE”.
2. The buffet is often quite elaborate.

However, in a country where millions struggle for one meal a day, such breakfast buffets feel excessive.

The Rush for Free Food

“FREE” breakfast excites everyone, including me. The moment something is free, we rush to grab it, forgetting basic values like “Take only what you can eat.”

That day, a family sitting beside me loaded their plates with enough food to serve three more families. I couldn’t help but notice and wonder if I, too, should rush to pile up my plate.

The Aftermath of Wasting Food

I took a deep breath and hoped my loud, indirect remarks would shame them into finishing their food. Unfortunately, I was left red-faced as they left behind untouched bread and half-eaten food. Almost every table had leftover chutney, idli, butter packets, and half-finished beverages.

We complain about expensive commodities, taxes, and even the latest GST, but do we realize how much food we waste?

A Call for Change

If I could send this message to the Prime Minister, I’d request a law that bans complimentary breakfasts and buffet spreads. Although this might be controversial, it’s a necessary step to combat food waste.

An Initiative for Change

Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev’s Isha Vidhya initiative encourages people to skip one meal a week and donate the saved money to feed the hungry. This serves two purposes:

• It helps us empathize with those who go to bed hungry.
• It contributes to a good cause.

The Bigger Picture: Farmers and Food Wastage

As a worried mother and the granddaughter of a farmer, I see the bigger picture. Farmers work hard to bring food to our plates, yet food waste is rampant. This negligence contributes to larger issues like farmer suicides and food insecurity for future generations.

Final Thoughts

Please, don’t waste food. It’s not just about wasting resources—it’s about respecting the effort behind every meal.

Also Read:

• Solutions to Food Waste: How to Prevent Throwing Leftover Food
• How To Safely Store Christmas Leftovers