The study, entitled "Don’t Waste Food 2023," underscores a disconcerting yearly wastage of 4.8 million tons of food in Poland, with consumers being responsible for 60 percent of the discarded edibles.
The Federation of Polish Food Banks is a public benefit organization comprising 31 Food Banks across Poland. These banks daily collect unsold, quality goods from stores and producers, redistributing them to aid organizations such as soup kitchens, social welfare homes, and support centers for single mothers.
Highlighting the persistent challenge, Beata Ciepła, the president of the Federation of Polish Food Banks, emphasized the profound societal, environmental, and economic ramifications of food wastage.
The federation continues its advocacy, championing educational initiatives aimed at enhancing societal awareness about the repercussions of food wastage and advocating strategies to counteract this concerning trend.
This year’s findings marked a negative milestone, as more than half of the respondents confessed to food wastage, the highest percentage in the 14-year history of the study.
Frequently discarded items included bread (52 percent), fruits (38 percent), vegetables (36 percent), and cold cuts (32 percent).
The report resonates with a broader social impact, underscoring the grim paradox of significant food wastage amid prevailing poverty, where 1.6 million people in Poland live below the poverty line.
However, it wasn’t all bleak. The study did indicate a subtle shift in consumer attitudes, observing a slight drop in the frequency of food waste. Compared to previous years, there was a notable increase in individuals who reported wasting food only once a month or less.
Economic considerations have also nudged behavioral shifts, with 76 percent of respondents admitting to reducing food waste due to escalating living costs propelled by soaring inflation.
People have become more frugal, often opting against certain costly products (61 percent), preparing smaller meal portions (36 percent), or cooking with fewer ingredients (33 percent), according to the study, which was released to coincide with World Food Day on October 16.
The Federation of Polish Food Banks also oversees European Funds for Food Assistance programs, corroborating efforts with EU funds. In 2022, these combined initiatives facilitated the distribution of 45,000 tons of food items to those in need.
(rt/gs)
Source: PAP
