Food Waste Statistics In Canada!!!

 

Latest statistics of food wasted or thrown in the garbage by local restaurants Durham Region Ontario

 Food Waste Statistics In Canada

 https://madeinca.ca/food-waste-canada-statistics/

 

 

Certainly! Let’s delve into the food waste statistics for local restaurants in Durham Region, Ontario, Canada.

1.     Overall Food Waste in Canada:

• Globally, approximately 1.3 billion tonnes of edible food is wasted or lost each year.
• The average consumer household food waste in Europe and North America ranges from 95 to 115 kilograms annually.
• In sub-Saharan Africa and South/Southeastern Asia, the average food waste per household is only 6 to 11 kilograms per year.
• If we saved just a quarter of the food lost or wasted globally, it could feed 870 million people.
• In Canada, despite 60% of food waste being avoidable through better planning and awareness, we still create over 50 million tonnes of food waste annually.
• The average Canadian household produces 79 kilograms of food waste per year.
• 47% of food waste in Canada occurs at the household level.
• Redirecting or rescuing surplus edible food could save 3.82 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions per tonne of food.
• Canada has pledged to reduce food waste by half.
• 4 million Canadians, including 1.2 million children, live in food-insecure households¹.

2.     Restaurant-Specific Food Waste in Ontario:

• In Ontario alone, restaurants generate approximately 220,000 tonnes of food waste annually.
• Hotels, institutions, and restaurants contribute to 9% of food waste in Canada².

3.     Durham Region’s Food Waste:

• Currently, the Region has a diversion rate of 50%.
• 23% of this diversion rate is attributed to food waste from the green bin program and other organic materials.
• In 2022, the Region collected 68,800 tonnes of green bin items, which were subsequently turned into compost³.

4.     Why Does Food Waste Occur?:

• Food waste happens due to improper storage, overbuying, confusion over food labels, inefficiently used ingredients going bad, and poor planning.
• Many organizations in Canada are working with farmers and distributors to limit overproduction and educate consumers on minimizing food waste at home through better planning and understanding of food labels.

 

Remember, reducing food waste not only conserves resources but also benefits our environment and communities. Let’s all strive to be more mindful about food consumption and waste! 🌱🌎

Certainly! In Durham Region, there are several initiatives aimed at addressing food waste and promoting sustainability. Let’s explore a few of them:

1. Durham Food Policy Council (DFPC):
• The DFPC is a collaborative effort involving community members, local organizations, and government agencies. Their mission is to create a sustainable and resilient food system in Durham Region.
• They work on various projects related to food security, waste reduction, and community education. Their initiatives include promoting local food production, reducing food waste, and advocating for policies that support food equity.
2. Food Rescue Programs:
• Several local organizations collaborate with restaurants, grocery stores, and food producers to rescue surplus food that would otherwise go to waste.
• These rescued items are distributed to food banks, shelters, and community centers, ensuring that edible food reaches those in need.
3. Community Gardens and Urban Agriculture:
• Durham Region has community gardens and urban agriculture projects that encourage residents to grow their own food.
• These initiatives not only reduce the need for food transportation but also promote sustainable practices and community engagement.
4. Composting and Green Bin Programs:
• The Region provides green bins for organic waste collection, including food scraps.
• Residents are encouraged to separate food waste from regular garbage, which is then composted to create nutrient-rich soil.
5. Educational Workshops and Events:
• Local organizations host workshops, seminars, and events to raise awareness about food waste.
• These educational programs focus on proper food storage, meal planning, and understanding food labels to minimize waste.
6. Collaboration with Restaurants and Businesses:
• Some restaurants and businesses in Durham Region actively participate in food waste reduction efforts.
• They may donate excess food to local charities, use food scraps creatively, or implement sustainable practices in their operations.

Remember, these initiatives rely on community involvement and awareness. By supporting local efforts and making conscious choices, we can collectively reduce food waste and create a more sustainable future!