ঢাকাশনিবার , ৮ অগাস্ট ২০২৬
One-third of all food produced globally is wasted instead of being consumed, turning food loss and waste into a pressing global challenge. To spotlight this issue, the Embassy of Denmark in Bangladesh hosted a “Zero Food Waste Lunch” in Dhaka, bringing together Bangladeshi influencers and changemakers to raise awareness and inspire collective action ahead of the International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste on September 29.
In Bangladesh alone, an estimated 10,000 tons of food are wasted daily. A World Bank report indicates that around 34% of staple foods such as rice, fish, lentils, and mangoes are lost before reaching consumers’ plates-resulting in wasted resources, higher food prices, and increased environmental stress.
Speaking at the event, H.E. Christian Brix Møller, Ambassador of Denmark to Bangladesh, said: “Food waste is a matter of lost opportunities. Farmers lose income, families struggle with higher food prices, and our planet bears the cost. With today’s Zero Food Waste Lunch, we wanted to show that sustainability and taste can go hand in hand. Together, with small steps and big voices, we can make sure food ends up where it belongs-on people’s plates, not in the bin.”
The lunch featured a specially curated menu designed to ensure every ingredient was used to its fullest-from preparation to consumption. The approach demonstrated how creativity and innovation in the kitchen can effectively reduce food waste without compromising taste or quality.
Maria Stein Knudsen, Sector Counsellor of Food and Agriculture at the Embassy of Denmark in Bangladesh, added: “Food loss means lost livelihoods, food insecurity for families, and greater pressure on natural resources. Practical solutions exist. Through initiatives like today’s lunch, we can inspire people to rethink habits and take simple steps that together make a big difference.”
The Zero Food Waste Lunch is part of the Embassy’s broader SDG Facility, which supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Bangladesh by engaging local voices, fostering innovation, and building partnerships for sustainable development.
