food

“There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day. At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores and longing to eat what fell from the rich man’s table.  – Luke 16: 19 – 21 The story of the rich man and Lazarus reminds us that some people can feast every day while others go hungry. Food Waste in South Africa – Why It’s a Big Deal Did you know that South Africa wastes about 10 million tons of food every year? That’s nearly a third of all the food produced! Meanwhile, millions of people go hungry every day. Food waste isn’t just about throwing away leftovers—it’s a serious issue that affects hunger, the environment, and the economy. Most food waste happens at farms, supermarkets, restaurants, and even in our homes. Perfectly good food is often thrown away because it doesn’t “look right” or expires before being used. But wasting food also wastes the water, land, and energy that went into producing it. When food rots in landfills, it releases methane gas, a major contributor to climate change. So, what can we do? Start by buying only what you need and storing food properly to make it last longer. Support food donation programs that give surplus food to those in need. If you have leftovers, get creative—repurpose them into new meals instead of tossing them out. Composting is also a great way to return nutrients to the soil instead of adding to landfills. We have the power to change how food is valued. Reducing food waste isn’t just about saving money—it’s about fighting hunger, protecting the environment, and respecting the resources God has given us. Every meal matters, so let’s make sure our food goes to people, not landfills. A few years ago there was a Taize international youth Conference in Cape Town where thousands of young people were fed everyday. Green anglicans was tasked with waste disposal which was challenging! We found a church in Langa with a pig farming project and they were able to come and take away the food waste