The Challenge of Food Loss and Waste

A major challenge that faces us when trying to feed a growing world nutritiously is food loss and waste. Linked below is a web page that shares the story and impact of food loss and waste through text, videos, a podcast, charts, and interactive illustrations. We encourage you to scroll down through the page to learn about the differences between food loss and waste, how and where it happens, it's impact financially and environmentally, and much more. Discussion points are provided below to spark conversations with others around the globe!

Food Loss and Waste is a Global Issue

Discussion Points

• Explain the difference between food loss and waste.
• Explain the different ways food loss and waste occurs throughout our food system.
• Of the different places that food loss and/or waste occurs along our food system which area do you feel has the greatest potential for improvement/cutting food waste and/or loss? How would you recommend this change takes place?
• What was the most surprising or valuable piece of information, chart, illustration, etc. from this website and why was it surprising or valuable to you?
• What can you do personally to decrease food loss and/or waste?

World Food Prize Reflections

Last week I was able to attend a week of World Food Prize events in Des Moines, Iowa and we were even able to host a Laureate Lecture on campus in Waterloo. The week is always filled with incredible and inspiring learning opportunities. Throughout the week I took note of many pieces of information and quotes shared. Below you will find a small selection of some quotes I took note of. I encourage you to read through the quotes below and challenge you to discuss with others around the globe!

Challenge:

1. Read each quote individually.
2. Pick at least two quotes to think about and analyze further, in regards to solving world hunger and malnutrition and/or improving agriculture around the globe.
3. Share your thoughts: Discuss with others, raise awareness on social media, create a poster to share with your class/school, and/or take action.

"When rebuilding after conflict nothing can be accomplished until we eat. We must have food in our stomach before anything else." H.E. Chanthol Sun

"We can do well by doing good. Profit and fulfilling a mission can be done together." Polly Ruhland

"We are very good at describing a world we do not want, but we are not very good at describing the world we do want. We must have a vision." Roy Steiner

"Can we feed nine billion people by 2045? When I look at the science and technology I am optimistic, but the pessimistic side of me is concerned by the role politics and regulations play." Chris Nelson

"It's about feeding the world, without starving the earth." Liam Condon

"We all must work off the same data and information before change can happen." Sara Menker

"All lives have equal value, but not all lives have equal opportunities." Roger Voorhies

"In a world with less and less certainty we need more diversity (seed and plant)." Lawrence Haddad

Agriculture and Climate Change

This week's blog comes to you from the World Food Prize Borlaug Dialogue. On the opening day of the Dialogue there was a panel that discussed climate change and how agriculture can be a leader in fighting climate change. A representative with the US Farmers and Ranchers Alliance shared the following video with those in attendance. We encourage you to watch the linked video and utilize the discussion points below to guide your conversations around the globe.

30 Harvests

Discussion Points

• After watching the video explain your general thoughts and feelings.
• How can those in agriculture around the world lead the way in the fight against climate change?
• What can you do to combat climate change in your community?
• The family in this video highlighted several hardships they are facing. What hardships do farmers and producers face in your community and around the world? How do they overcome these challenges? How can you support them?

World Food Day

World Food Day is October 16th. Linked below is a video that challenges you to think about the way food is produced, prepared, and impacts our daily lives and those around us. As World Food Day approaches we challenge you to engage with others around the globe to discuss these important issues. Maybe it is engaging with others utilizing the discussion points below or creating posters in your school that brings attention to the challenges and opportunities in front of us.

World Food Day 2019

Discussion Points

• There is a statement in the video "#zerohunger goes beyond hunger." What does this mean to you?
• What challenges face your community, state, and the entire world when it comes to hunger and nutrition? 
• The video states a need for us to change our food systems and how and what we eat? Do you agree with this? Why or why not? 
• Why is it a challenge to change food systems and how and what people eat? How do we overcome these challenges? 
• It is shared that we need to take action to provide a healthy diet for all. How can you take action personally to make this happen? 

Agriculture Change in Small Island Developing States

Natural disasters, climate change, and numerous other challenges face many small island developing states such as the Comoros, Cabo Verde, Samoa, and others. Through many programs farmers and producers in these small island developing states are looking for opportunities in agriculture to improve the livelihoods of citizens within the country. Linked below is an article that highlights initiatives in small island developing states around the globe and includes a video highlighting the fishing industry in Cabo Verde. We encourage you to read the linked article, view the short video, and utilize the discussion points below to engage in conversations with others around the globe!

Something to Crow About in the Comoros

Discussion Points

• What are some of the major challenges facing small island developing states? 
• What initiatives are being implemented around the globe to help farmers in small island developing states? Of all the initiatives mentioned which do you feel has the greatest potential and why?
• What additional initiatives would you like to see implemented and why would they be beneficial?
• After viewing the video "Our Islands, Our Oceans - Cabo Verde," what do you see as the biggest challenge facing the island and what do you see as the best potential solutions? Explain your thoughts.