Denmark Embassy hosts ‘Zero Food Waste Lunch’ to combat rising food loss in Bangladesh

The Embassy of Denmark in Bangladesh hosted a "Zero Food Waste Lunch" today (22 September) to inspire action and raise awareness ahead of the International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste on September 29.

Bangladeshi influencers, changemakers, and advocates for sustainability attended the event, according to a press release.

Speaking at the event, Danish Ambassador to Bangladesh Christian Brix Moller said, "Food waste is a matter of lost opportunities. Farmers lose income, families struggle with higher food prices, and our planet bears the cost."

"With today's Zero Food Waste Lunch, we wanted to show that sustainability and taste can go hand in hand. Together, with small steps and big voices, we can make sure food ends up where it belongs on people's plates, not in the bin", he added.

According to a study, Bangladesh wastes approximately 10,000 tonnes of food daily. A recent World Bank report notes that up to 34% of staple foods, including rice, fish, lentils, and mangoes, are lost before they ever reach consumers' plates. This led to increased food insecurity, lost income for farmers, higher market prices, and mounting environmental pressures.

The event came with a curated lunch menu crafted to ensure minimal to zero food waste, while showcasing creative culinary approaches that utilize every part of each ingredient.

Also speaking at the event, Maria Stein Knudsen, sector counsellor of food and agriculture at the embassy, added, "Food loss means lost livelihoods, food insecurity for families, and greater pressure on natural resources. Practical solutions exist. Through initiatives like today's lunch, we can inspire people to rethink habits and take simple steps that together make a big difference."

The event is part of the embassy's broader SDG Facility, a platform that supports the implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Bangladesh.

Through this initiative, the embassy said it aims to engage local voices, foster innovation, and build partnerships for sustainable and inclusive development.