have been a part of this collective since 2013. Our group of 8 to 10 people collects leftovers from hotels and distributes among those in need. If not distributed, these meals would end up in trash,” says Syed Musa Raza Bukhari, who runs a small group working to help distribute leftover food among the poor.

Every Meal Matters is an initiative rooted in a deep understanding of the profound impact of food on preserving human dignity. “The food we distribute throughout the year is essential for those in need. Through a partnership with hotels, we ensure that surplus food is distributed among those who require it and in a dignified manner,” says Bukhari.

Bukhari’s work holds particular significance in light of the alarming statistics from the Food Waste Index Report 2024 by the United Nations Environment Programme. The report reveals that globally, an estimated 1.05 billion tonnes of food were wasted last year, amounting to 19 percent of all food produced. In Pakistan, the situation is even more dire, with 26 percent of food production, approximately 19.6 million metric tonnes, going to waste annually. This waste stems primarily from food items not meeting specific aesthetic criteria such as appearance, size and colour.

Bukhari says their work highlights the disparity between those who enjoy lavish meals and those who struggle to access a single meal a day. “This initiative not only addresses the immediate need for food but also sheds light on the societal disparities in accessing basic necessities.”

This collaborative commitment shows a shared dedication to social responsibility. By motivating collective action, Every Meal Matters aims to tackle both food waste and hunger, fostering a more sustainable and equitable food system.

During Ramazan, Bukhari’s work takes centre stage. He says that while iftar buffets are in demand, many in the society cannot afford a single meal.

Hotels and restaurants significantly contribute to food waste in several ways. Overproduction is a major reason, as hotels often prepare more food than necessary to accommodate potential customers, especially during buffets, leading to excess food. Poor inventory practices and over-ordering of ingredients due to inefficient storage and rapid menu changes also contribute to food waste. Inadequate staff training and a culture of customers helping themselves to too much food during buffets further exacerbate the issue.

Bukhari’s team works efficiently to pack the remaining buffet food into boxes and distributes it among those in need. These include individuals on roadside, in hospitals and at railway stations—those who are frequently overlooked and marginalised.

Reducing food waste can play a key role in alleviating hunger and poverty through various interconnected pathways. By reducing food waste, vital resources such as water, land and labour can be conserved, ultimately improving overall food supply and making nutritious food more accessible for low-income families. Experts say identifying and addressing this issue can lead to a more efficient and equitable food distribution system, positively impacting those in need.

This year, Bukhari’s initiative achieved a notable success. They distributed 10,000 meal boxes to those in need during Ramazan alone.

“Just imagine how much food would go to waste if it didn’t reach those who needed it.”

“When a restaurant provides us 100 meal boxes in the evening, it is essentially providing leftover food from its dinner service. Some restaurants take the initiative to pack the food for our team to distribute. For others, we do the packing.”

The impact of this initiative goes beyond numbers. It fosters a strong sense of community and shared responsibility. By distributing food to rickshaw drivers, the homeless on the streets and individuals at train stations, Bukhari and his team become powerful conduits of hope and humanity.

“In return, we receive their blessings,” he says, highlighting the profound connections built in the process.

In Pakistan, where food scarcity is a pressing issue, initiatives such as these not only address immediate hunger but also establish a blueprint for sustainable food redistribution. Initiatives such as these seek to encourage individuals, businesses and communities to reassess their approach to food consumption, while also increasing awareness about the detrimental impacts of food wastage.

The writer is a freelance multimedia journalist in Multan