Legarda urges public to lessen food waste and help solve hunger

Three-term Senator and Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda

MANILA, Philippines — Senatorial candidate Loren Legarda has urged the public to reduce food waste by being mindful with its consumption.

The current Deputy House Speaker cited statistics from the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) and Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI) which indicated that 1,717 metric tons of food are wasted every day in the Philippines.

The wastage adds to the growing problem of hunger in the country.

“Let us make the reduction of food waste a matter of priority and a key element of all national food, agricultural, and social policies,” Legarda said in a statement.

“Excess or leftover food from the food industry, catering operations, and the public sector must not go to waste. Raising public awareness on food waste and implementing food redistribution programs, such as channeling discarded food to vulnerable groups, are highly encouraged.”

As an advocate for food security, Legarda has co-authored House Bill No. 7956, or the Food Surplus Reduction Act, which aims to extensively lessen food waste in the community through public awareness campaigns and redistribution of discarded but edible food management of food wastes.

The Antique congresswoman also encouraged the public to manage their food consumption in their homes.

“There are many individual ways we can significantly avoid food waste. For example, before going to the market, list only the things you need and stick to such list. This way you can save money while preventing food from going to waste,” she said.

“We can also avoid spoilage by proper food storage and minding expiration dates. Plan your meals and only cook what your household can consume. Lastly, don’t hesitate to share excess food with others. By doing so, you will, in essence, be practicing a sustainable lifestyle.”

Composting of food waste

Loren Legarda (File Photo)

Legarda likewise promotes using household food wastes as fertilizer or organic compost.

“If people grow food in their backyards or even just in pots, they will always be assured of food to eat or extra income from their harvests,” Legarda said.

“Try to grow food yourself. Start a garden and do composting of food wastes.”

The former senator authored House Bill No. 8385, or the Integrated Urban Agriculture Act, to promote and institutionalize urban agriculture as a sustainable land-use system.

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