Infographic – Foodwise: Obesity v/s Malnutrition

By Ila Garg

Food is one of the primary needs for sustaining life on the Earth. However, while taking into account the recent dietary patterns, it can be easily noticed that a huge percentage of food produced is actually getting wasted. This wastage can occur at multiple levels. First, at the time of production, the food gets wasted and then while shipping too, a great amount of food is lost. Of course, a lot of food is carelessly thrown away. This is perhaps a major reason behind the Global Food Crisis.

According to a study, the food wasted by the United States and Europe alone could feed the world 3 times over. Food wastage has significantly increased in USA since 1974.

In the world where millions die of hunger each day, and many more are struggling hard to make the ends meet, festivals like La Tomatino are celebrated with great enthusiasm. Trucks and trucks of tomatoes are wasted as people throw them at each other and even swim in the tomato pulps. Today, being the 70th Anniversary of La Tomatino festival, it is important to evaluate its repercussions.

This festival, originated in Spain, is the world's largest food fight festival and the food wastage that it results in is alarming. Every year, on this day, Spain is painted red as the tsunami of tomatoes take over. Over 40 metric tonnes of tomatoes are used in the fight. Last year, almost 1,50,000 tomotoes were thrown at one another. Ever wondered what happens to those pulped up tomatoes? They get down the drain, what else!

This is a really sad sight!

Team NewsGram recently visited Whole Foods store located in West Loop of downtown Chicago to gain insight into more food facts. The store's Assistant Manager, Mike and Kitchen Manager, Carlos interacted with the team and revealed some major details.

The cooked food in the buffet area is kept only for four hours (till the time it stays hot), after that the leftover food is disposed off and sent for composting. As per their policy, they do not re-heat the food. In addition, the cooked food being served is monitored for temperature check. The menu includes both vegetarian and non-vegetarian cuisines. The Indian cuisine is included in their menu too.

One doesn't need a professional degree to be a cook at this store. They train each other to be a part of the store. Whole Foods store has certification process in place and complies with the guidelines and recommendations of the city Health Department. A log book is maintained for the food being served and all items are entered in it to keep a track and have an eye on logistics.

A food bank van arrives at the store on a daily basis to collect the leftovers. It is Whole Foods' policy to donate the food to the food banks or nonprofits for poor people. It is indeed a welcome move and others must take this as an inspiration.