United Nations day · September 29
International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste
Food that’s grown and never eaten wastes the water, land, and work it took to make it. Small habits at home add up fast.
Every year on September 29
About the day
The International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste is a United Nations day held every year on September 29. The UN General Assembly designated it in 2019, and it was first observed in 2020. The UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) lead it.
Food loss happens between the farm and the store. Food waste happens in stores, restaurants, and homes.
Why it matters
Lost before the store
FAO estimates that about 13 percent of food is lost between harvest and retail.
Wasted after
UNEP estimates that about 19 percent of food available to consumers is wasted in households, food service, and retail.
More than food
Wasted food also wastes water, land, and energy, and food in landfills releases methane as it breaks down.
Ways to take part
Pick one action that fits your place and your people. Small, local, and repeated beats big and once.
- PlanShop with a list and plan meals around what you already have.
- Store smarterLearn what keeps longest in the fridge, freezer, or pantry.
- Use it upTurn leftovers and odds and ends into another meal.
- DonateConnect extra food from events or businesses with a food bank.
- CompostCompost scraps you can’t eat instead of trashing them.
- MeasureTrack what you throw away for one week, then cut the biggest item.
From awareness to action
Environmental Alliance applies Spatial Social Design, which pairs geodesign with community-based social marketing, so this day connects people to specific actions in specific places.
Map the place
Start with the land, water, and habitat around you.
Understand the people
Learn what helps people act and what gets in the way.
Design the action
Choose steps that fit both the place and the community.
Measure the change
Track what happened so next year builds on this one.
Coming soon
Map your place: a free tool to map the places you care for and the actions you take. No login required.
Questions
When is the International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste?
It’s held every year on September 29.
What is the difference between food loss and food waste?
Food loss happens between harvest and retail. Food waste happens in stores, restaurants, and homes.
What’s the easiest way to waste less food at home?
Plan meals before you shop, store food well, and eat the oldest items first.
Plan something for September 29
Schools, agencies, businesses, and local groups are welcome. Tell us what you’re planning and where.