Behind the abundance and generosity of the Christmas season there is a hidden cost such as food waste, which is caused by the excess of food and traditional dishes served on the tables of families in Mexico.
At least eight out of ten Mexicans perceive that New Year’s Eve dinners are excessive in quantity and variety of food, which contributes to leftover dishes ending up unused, reported Kim Durand, CEO and co-founder of the mobile food rescue platform. Cheaf foods.
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Globally, the United Nations estimates that food waste doubles during the holiday season.
While in Mexico, the Food Bank Network pointed out that up to 40 percent of food ends up in the trash due to lack of organization.
“Christmas dinners reflect a cultural attachment to abundance in our celebrations and a lack of planning, (so) waste has implications beyond the economic and environmental, as well as directly impacts food security,” he indicated.
“By generating unnecessary waste, resources are wasted that could have been better distributed to confront the growing food insecurity in various regions of the country,” declared the director of Cheaf, a company used by supermarkets and restaurants to sell surplus food under the concept of surprise packages.
Today it is urgent to rethink consumer habits and promote a more sustainable awareness during these festivities, he noted.
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According to the survey conducted by Cheaf, the foods wasted during the holiday celebrations are baguettes and bolillos, which at least 47 percent of Mexican families do not eat and throw away.
45 percent of Mexicans say they do not eat side dishes such as pasta, salads, purees and rice that are left over from their Christmas dinners.
The data reflects a trend of overproduction, where overprepared foods, such as soups, broths and tamales, also contribute significantly to waste, reaching 25 percent of mentions.
Meats and proteins stand out, such as turkey and leg (with 22 percent), as well as fresh fruits and vegetables (20 percent).
Cheaf’s study reveals that, although the majority of respondents identify excesses, 60 percent increase their food purchases in December, driven mainly by family traditions and supermarket promotions.
However, this increase is not always accompanied by adequate planning:
● 43 percent say that forgotten food in the refrigerator is the main cause of waste.
● 40 percent mention preparing more food than necessary as another relevant factor.
● Unexpected changes in guest numbers and excessive portions contribute to the problem, each accounting for 19 percent of mentions.
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Cheaf invited Mexicans to live a more conscious Christmas, where solidarity and sustainability are the main ingredients of the festivities, so he made these recommendations:
Smart planning. Before purchasing, make a list of assistants to calculate actual servings. Also make a list of ingredients before shopping and check what you already have at home.
Take advantage of leftovers. Reheating is not only a delicious tradition, but also a practical way to avoid waste. Nothing like a second round.
Donate what you won’t consume. Consider sharing surpluses with people in need, through specialized organizations or directly in your community. Say yes to “Christmas itacate”.
Use recipes. With a little creativity, you can create recipes and dishes that make the most of all foods and ingredients.
Invest in conservation. Don’t let leftovers go unloved: Learn how to properly store foods to prolong their freshness and take regular inventory of these foods to prevent them from being forgotten.
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Support rescue initiatives. Look for local establishments that offer imperfect foods at reduced prices and support businesses that implement responsible practices like food rescue. Save bread or dessert for dinner if cooking is not your thing.
