Battling the Obesity, Food Waste and Hunger Conundrum: Halfsies [Forbes]
Review comment- The problem of hunger affects over one billion people around the world, the irony is the amount of food wasted could effectively solve this problem. The article on Forbes shares an idea, of ‘Halfsies’ where restuarant dinners agree to an arrangement to eat only half their food and donate the other half to charity. Hopefully to help cut food waste and help the customer avoid obesity. This is a good step to build a conscientous attitude against food waste as well as raise funds to help the fight against hunger. Individual responsibility is however still needed.
Forbes report write- “You have likely heard the paradox: 40 percent of food produced in the U.S. is thrown away (enough food trash to fill the Rose Bowl every day), yet it’s now estimated that one in seven people in the world does not have enough to eat (1 billion people). Add to that the fact that 66 percent Americans are overweight from eating increasingly large portion sizes, and you have a dysfunctional feedback loop of waste, hunger and obesity.
Halfsies is a new project designed to help reconfigure this system, giving restaurant diners the option of eating half a portion size – thus creating less waste and fat – and donating a portion of the plate’s cost to charity. While still in the initial stages, the idea is that restaurants will easily be able to offer “halfsies” on the menu, keying information in their POS system to track donations.”
Further it refers to-
Sydney Berry Ling, Co-Founder and Communications Director who explains. “What makes Halfsies unique is the 3-fold impact of a customer choosing to “Go Halfsies,” which provides a healthier meal portion, reduces food waste and supports the fight against hunger. It’s a win-win-win. Plus, it is an ongoing choice, not just something available one day or a week out of the year. It is sustainable.”
While the idea has attracted admirers, it will never solve the complex problems of obesity and world hunger. But the idea of educating eaters about how these issues are intertwined is clearly a step in the right direction.
Thus far the group has created some slick looking pamphlets and a video (below), but getting time with busy restaurant owners to sell them on the idea has been a challenge. The group is still also looking for funding.”
http://www.forbes.com/sites/bethhoffman/2012/02/15/battling-the-obesity-food-waste-and-hunger-conundrum-halfsies/