A mericans waste food without a second thought. The New York Times cites a US government study that says 27% of food available for consumption is thrown away—by families, restaurants, cafeterias and supermarkets. That’s one pound of food every day for every American, enough to feed many hungry bellies in less fortunate countries.
Indians will bristle at such data, especially after George Bush’s factually accurate but politically incorrect claim that global food prices are rising because of the new prosperity in countries such as China and India. True, but American biofuels and conspicuous waste are also part of the story.
What can India do about this criminal waste in the US? Very little. But it can do something about the equally criminal waste at home.
Nearly one-third of fresh farm produce in India rots before it can be sent to consumers. Grain stored in warehouses gets eaten by rats. The lack of modern rural markets and supply chains is to blame. India’s poor and hungry deserve better.
A mericans waste food without a second thought. The New York Times cites a US government study that says 27% of food available for consumption is thrown away—by families, restaurants, cafeterias and supermarkets. That’s one pound of food every day for every American, enough to feed many hungry bellies in less fortunate countries. Indians will bristle at such data, especially after George Bush’s factually accurate but politically incorrect claim that global food prices are rising because of the new prosperity in countries such as China and India. True, but American biofuels and conspicuous waste are also part of the story. What can India do about this criminal waste in the US? Very little. But it can do something about the equally criminal waste at home. Nearly one-third of fresh farm produce in India rots before it can be sent to con- sumers. Grain stored in warehouses gets eaten by rats. The lack of modern ru- ral markets and supply chains is to blame. India’s poor and hungry deserve better.
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