On the International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste “Conserving Bounties Society” saved more than a million meals, even though Coronavirus constituted a challenge to CBS during its mission to reduce food waste.
International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste
CBS seizes the opportunity on this International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste to offer many thanks and gratitude to our wise leadership and the Bahrain National Team in addressing the Corona pandemic under the leadership of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister, for what our rational government provided from starting with prioritizing the provision of food security in light of the Corona Pandemic, and on this special day we would like to remind our Bahraini community about the importance of reducing food waste of all kinds,
under the current Corona Pandemic
During the Corona Pandemic, societies face many difficulties that may lead to food accumulation and non-use, as well as with regard to supply and food factories. As everyone is aware, many ports and airports around the world have been locked down, which led to the loss of transport and export traffic, and this may lead to an increase in food loss, especially fruits and vegetables.
The major consumer markets, which are often the biggest donors to food banks, struggle to have their shelves full of food and thus are unable to donate any. Moreover, if families buy this food, it may not be consumed and it ends up in waste, due to a misunderstanding of the date and poor storage of foodstuffs.
Statistics of Food Waste in the Kingdom of Bahrain
According to the latest statistics of food waste in the Kingdom of Bahrain prior to the outbreak of the Corona Pandemic, the amount of food waste per capita was 0.3 kg, and the amount of waste per day reached 400 thousand kg, equivalent to 146 thousand tons annually.
The value of this waste is 95 million Bahraini dinars, so food waste during the COVID-19 pandemic is of greater concern, according to the previously mentioned data.
Challenges Facing Conserving Bounties Society
CBS is facing a challenge in addressing a large increase in demand, due to the increase in the number of people financially affected due to the high unemployment rates of expatriate workers.
It also faces a number of problems ranging from staff shortages, insufficient food supplies, as well as locations that are no longer suitable for distributing food packages, due to social distancing measures.
Therefore, CBS is keen to invite the Bahraini community, individuals and institutions, to be our partners in conserving bounties, whether by supporting the operations of CBS or donating edible surplus food.