MITIGATING FOOD WASTAGE :A CALL FOR RESPONSIBILITY IN PAKISTANI WEDDINGS &SOCIAL EVENTS

 

                     INTRODUCTION

 In Pakistan, the grandeur of weddings, birthday parties, and social events is often marred by a significant issue—food wastage. According to Mr. Khalid Javed, writing for Daily Times in September 2022, an alarming 15 to 20% of food is wasted during wedding ceremonies, reaching up to 25% when the number of dishes exceeds the number of guests. The problem is not confined to the elite; even middle and low-income families contribute to this wastage, spending their life savings on extravagant events fueled by societal pressures and the fear of judgment.

FOOD WASTAGE IN WEDDINGS IN PAKISTAN

                               STATISTICS & CONSEQUENCES

Statistics and Consequences: Statistics from "Parhlo" reveal that a staggering 40% of prepared food in banquets during weddings and other social events goes to waste. This wasteful trend is particularly evident in buffet systems, where guests often overload their plates, resulting in half the food ending up in the garbage. The impact of this food wastage goes beyond social and economic consequences; it plays a vital role in environmental issues, contributing to CO2 emissions underground water .The uneaten food which become garbage and thrown away when is dumped is decomposed and produce chemical waste in underground water. It is not only wastage of Agriculture land but water resources ,Fertilizers, Peptides  in addition to loss of Edible items along with energy & Man power utilized for food preparation

                                            DUMPIMG UNEATEN FOOD 

                               RELIGIOUS PERSPECTIVE

 Incorporating a religious perspective, the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) emphasize the importance of not wasting food. Narrated by Muslim (Hadith 2034), he urged followers to empty their plates, recognizing that blessings may lie within every portion of food.

As stated in verses 26 & 27 of Surah al-Isra in the Quran  ‘and rendered(provide)  to the kindered (RELATIVES) their due rights as (also) to those in want ,and to the wayfare (A Traveller especially on foot) ;but squander(To spend Wastefully in Lavish way) not in the manner of a spendthrift (Spend lot of money in a way that wastes)

FOOD INSECURITY & HUNGER

:While extravagance prevails in social events, Pakistan grapples with the harsh reality of food insecurity. The country witnesses the wastage of 36 million tons of food annually, while a staggering 43% of the population faces food insecurity. This paradox is further exacerbated by a persistent hunger crisis, with approximately 82% of children lacking access to timely meals.

82% CHILDREN HAVE NO ACCESS TO TIMELY MEAL 

                     GLOBAL RANKINGS &CONTRIBUTING FACTORS

         Global Hunger Index rankings position Pakistan at 99th out of 129 countries. Contributing factors include climate change-induced floods and droughts, but crucially, affordability emerges as a major hurdle to accessibility. Inflation rates, according to Mr. Abdullah of PIDE, play a significant role in perpetuating food insecurity.

                               CALL TO ACTION

    To address this multifaceted issue, both the government and the public must take responsibility. The government can play a pivotal role by implementing policies, such as banning elaborate food servings in events, allowing only snacks and tea. Simultaneously, awareness campaigns should be launched to educate communities on the correlation between food wastage, poverty, and climate change.

                     COLLABORATION WITH CHARITY ORGANIZATIONS

 Encouraging collaboration with charity organizations is essential. These organizations can collect excess food in refrigerated vehicles and distribute it to identified urban slums and underprivileged communities. By leveraging community engagement, this approach can be both sustainable and impactful.

                               Cultural &RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

     Promoting cultural and religious education is equally crucial. Educating the public on the Islamic perspective that prohibits the wasteful disposal of leftover food can foster a sense of responsibility and empathy towards those in need.

                               CONCLUSION

     Mitigating food wastage in Pakistan requires a concerted effort from all stakeholders. By reevaluating societal norms, implementing practical policies, and fostering awareness, the nation can work towards ensuring that the abundance at social events does not come at the cost of exacerbating food insecurity, poverty, and environmental degradation.