29 September is the International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste. Today, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) calls on governments, companies, and customers to act responsibly with regards to this matter. FAO implements several projects, which support state institutions, as well as the private sector in reducing food loss and waste.

Tons of food gets wasted and lost during the food production process. Meanwhile, for the 828 million people who are currently facing hunger, food is not a guarantee.

Food loss and waste reduction is vital for the effective consumption of natural resources, mitigation of climate change. Most importantly it is directly tied to food security and safety for current and future generations. The food systems and customers are integral in this process.

“Reduction of food loss and waste is an important component of environmentally, economically, and socially sustainable agricultural development. FAO is working actively on this topic in Georgia, including with regards to food donation, which has a huge potential for bettering food security in the country,” says Jumber Maruashvili, FAO Senior National Policy Advisor.