Why do we throw away so much food?

Every day, farmers grow rice, vegetables and fruit for us. But a lot of that food never gets eaten. Around the world, about 13 out of every 100 bowls of food are lost between the farm and the shop. Food can rot on the way, or be damaged by pests.

Then about 19 out of every 100 are wasted in shops, restaurants and homes, when food goes bad or is left on plates.

While food is being wasted, many people in the world do not have enough to eat. Growing food also uses lots of water, land and work. When food is thrown away, all of that is wasted too.

It is the birthday of a United Nations team that helps the world grow and share food. It began on 16 October 1945. This year’s message is “Innovate today. Nourish tomorrow.” It means: think of new ideas now, so everyone can eat well in the future.