International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste in the United States

Date: September 29

History: The International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2019, with its first observance in 2020. The day aims to raise awareness about the global issue of food waste and loss, which has significant environmental, economic, and social impacts.

Traditions: While there are no fixed traditions associated with this day, activities usually focus on education and action. Organizations, governments, and individuals use this opportunity to initiate campaigns that encourage responsible consumption and educate the public about sustainable practices.

What People Do:

• Public Campaigns: Government agencies may launch campaigns to inform citizens about the scale of food waste and ways to prevent it.
• Educational Events: Schools, universities, and non-profit organizations often host workshops or seminars on reducing food loss.
• Social Media Engagement: People share tips, facts, and personal commitments to reduce food waste on platforms like Twitter or Instagram using designated hashtags.
• Community Involvement: Local communities may organize food drives or partner with food banks to redirect excess food to those in need.
• Corporate Initiatives: Businesses might introduce measures to reduce waste in their operations or host events for employees focusing on sustainability.

This international observance encourages collective action across various sectors in the US to tackle the challenge of food loss and waste.