Food wastage is not acceptable in society

Abu Dhabi: Food wastage is not only an economic and environmental problem, but also a poor practice that harms society. Gulf News spoke to low-income workers, for whom eating out is almost unaffordable, to understand how they feel about food being wasted by those who can afford to eat out a lot.

“During Ramadan, I see many families do a lot of grocery shopping and since this month is all about family and friends gathering for (iftar), it makes sense to do this amount of grocery shopping. However, at restaurants that serve buffets, I see that many people put too much food on their plate and I don’t think they can finish off the food they have served themselves. In my opinion, there are many poor families that do not have enough food to eat and therefore this habit of some people throwing away food is not acceptable, given there are so many people who struggle [to have two meals a day].”

Russian perfume promoter at a mall, 33 years old

“I see a lot of people waste food during Ramadan. For the past few weeks, I have seen many people buy much more [grocery] items than usual. Also, when I go to the food court to eat, I can see that many families tend to order two or three family meals [per person] at a time. However, logically, it is not possible for an individual to eat more than one family meal at a time. It’s a waste of food. I believe people should avoid getting attracted by food offers that they don’t need. It would also help if they make a meal plan for the week and stick to it. Also, what I do to avoid buying excess things, I write a shopping list containing only the items I know I will use for cooking my meals.”

A Filipina employee at a mall, 26 years old

“Ramadan buffet are preferred by many people especially during Ramadan. Many people come to enjoy the open buffet with family and friends. Thus, most of them serve themselves with huge portion in their plate since there is plenty of food available. I feel so sorry when I see a lot of food being thrown into the garbage. I advise people to take home any leftover food, or use smaller plates at buffets.”

An Indian waitress at a restaurant, 29 years old

“People enjoy being at Ramadan tents and relish an open buffet, it is a chance for them to gather and enjoy the time. Therefore, people tend to serve themselves big portions as they want to try all types of food and desserts. In my opinion, I don’t think people waste food, they just enjoy their long night out [after iftar] in Ramadan. Actually, it is the hotel or hospitality tents that waste food. Many hotels tend to cook more because of the many numbers of guests expected. People in general tend to be more generous and friendly during this month. Of course, people should not waste food any time of the year; instead, they should give it to the needy. It is a concept that should be followed always, and not just during Ramadan.”

A Jordanian supervisor at retail outlet, 31 years old

“Over the last few weeks, I have seen so many people buy so many food items. For myself, I can only afford to buy limited things, and my colleague and I sometimes share a lunch meal. Sometimes, people give us some food. Throwing food is a bad habit. I cannot imagine throwing food; I would keep it for the next day.”

Indian cleaner at a mall, 30 years old