Technical Platform on the Measurement and Reduction of Food Loss and Waste

FAO and St. George's British International School present a Food Loss and Waste poem, Season Greetings to all!

06/12/2024

FAO and St. George's British International School 

present

Food Loss and Waste poem

Seasons Greetings to all!

 

To Toss in Haste: A Tale of Food Loss and Waste

In bins and landfills, food is tossed,
A tragic waste, at such a cost.
Millions go hungry, day by day,
While mountains of food rot away.
The planet suffers, resources strained,
As food is left to spoil, unclaimed.
2 billion tons of food lost and wasted per year.
We need more people to interfere. 

Food prices are rising.
So, we need to stop hiding,
start facing these global problems.
One third of our food is wasted or lost.
All across the world - at what cost?

60% of food waste is from our homes each year.
This is serious. It's severe.
This means, it’s up to us as individuals.
to stop the waste of food across the world.
Next time you go. To throw away. Your food. 
Stop!

Don’t waste, don’t waste, 
No matter the taste,
Slow down your haste,
And look at your plate. 

The fight against hunger, 
Has never been stronger, 
So come on, 
Help be a resolver. 

Some countries, 
Already paving the way,
Helping people in need, 
So come on, follow their lead.

Let’s learn, let’s learn,
Take a turn, 
Education is key,
For the world we want to see.

So, here’s our proposal, 
Let’s fix this crisis that is global.

But as this pressing matter continues to shatter our world 
What can we do individually?
We can think of our plate before there is too much food to waste.
We can purchase only what we consume.
Think of us and how this problem is harming our world.

One Billion meals are thrown. Away. Every. Day.
This has to change. 
733 million people go hungry without enough food,
So, wake up, change your mood. 

We need to take action.
We need to stand tall.
Serve smaller portions and save food for all.
Repurpose leftovers into a new snack or meal. 
Stop the waste and help those less fortunate heal. 

Teachers 
Children
Everyone and everywhere 
No matter where you are you can make the change.

Education is key.
So, let’s help everyone break free of this deadly disease. 
Let’s raise awareness.
And spread fairness.

Share excess food - let’s unite. 
And make a difference in this fight.
Distribute our food and bear witness.
to less waste that is so witless

Think of the future 
But don’t forget the past. 
If we don't look forward, this issue will last. 

Engage in community programs.
focus on reducing food waste.
Give everyone the chance to taste.

Let’s lend a hand to pave the way,
Let’s lend a hand to save the day, 
Buy only what you need, avoid the spree, 
Embrace each flavour, let the nature be free, 
Leftovers keep, don't cast aside,
With love and warmth, let's turn the tide,
Spreading the news, let's take a stand,
For a brighter future, 
In rhythm with nature
Let’s unite and decide.

All together NO MORE FOOD WASTE

 

(© FAO and St. Georges British International School)

 

As part of outreach efforts to promote awareness among school-aged children, members of FAOs Food Loss and Waste Team in the Food and Nutrition Division, visited the St George’s British International School in Rome. Students of all ages - ranging from juniors to senior-level students – were engaged in discussions on the theme of reducing food loss and waste and in taking the online Food Loss and Waste Challenge quiz. Everyone was a winner, as students were rewarded with medals, pens and bracelets for their participation and contributions to a very engaging day. In the words of Brett Kershaw, Head of Admissions and External Relations,  “the students all had a fantastic time,” and so did the FAO Team. 

St. George's British international School students listening to a food journey story. Photo ©FAO/Cristiano Minichiello   
St. George's students who have won the Food Loss and Waste challenge online game. Photo ©FAO/Cristiano Minichiello   
The St. George's students who have worked on the poem wearing the Food Loss and Waste Hero medal. Photo©FAO/Cristiano Minichiello   

More photos are available here.