Filipinos love eating, and when we dine out in restaurants, this is evident in our propensity to over-order, or to commit “takaw-tingin” as we call it. While this behavior may result to food waste, coupled with our preference for “unli” and buffets, it is not the only reason why food gets wasted. “In restaurant kitchens, food loss happens when produce and other ingredients get damaged in the delivery and preparation process. In our own homes, we contribute to food loss when we choose to ignore what we call ugly produce in markets and groceries,” says Melo-Rijk. “Ugly produce” refers to produce that are misshapen, undersized, discolored, bruised, or those with unusual spots or marks. These kinds of produce are usually ignored by consumers, who prefer to buy items that pass the cosmetic standards of supermarkets and groceries. “There is this misconception that perfect-looking produce would taste better and be more nutrient-dense than those that are a bit battered or discolored. This is simply not true, because food safety is not based on aesthetics alone. If we don’t give these produce a chance, they will end up in landfills.”

Pamela Baricuatro, the Executive Director of Simply Share Foundation, then talked about their partnership with Rise Against Hunger Philippines in reducing hunger and promoting food banking in the country, particularly in Cebu City. Simply Share Foundation is a non-profit organization primarily devoted to fighting hunger and malnutrition in the most vulnerable populations in the Philippines. Regarded as the first food banking initiative in Cebu City, they have been lobbying for the establishment of a national zero hunger commission, which would not only look at institutionalizing food banking but also possible ways to redirect potential food waste to families who would benefit from them. “Years ago, I asked myself why we do not have an active food bank here in the Philippines, given that we are a third-world country. We have gone around schools, day care centers, and communities-in-need here in Cebu to feed primarily children because oftentimes, they go to school in the morning without having eaten any breakfast,” says Baricuatro. “Food banking is a real solution not just to hunger but also to the growing problem of food waste because it simply means redirecting surplus food to the hungry.”