Every year, nearly one-third of all food produced globally—around 2.1 billion tons—never gets eaten. That’s not just food wasted. It’s the land, water, energy, labor, and money poured into producing it—amounting to a staggering $1.5 trillion lost annually. And the climate cost is even higher: food waste contributes 8–10% of global greenhouse gas emissions, more than five times that of the aviation industry.
In India, much of this waste happens before food ever reaches our kitchens—on farms, in transit, or in warehouses—due to poor infrastructure, lack of cold storage, and inefficient supply chains. While millions remain hungry, mountains of food are lost quietly behind the scenes.
In this episode of "Nutrition Every Day", we speak with Rinka Banerjee, Founder of Thinking Forks, a food-tech consultancy that helps reimagine food systems from R&D to the manufacturing floor. With decades of experience in innovation and sustainable food strategy—including at Unilever—Rinka brings a sharp, insider perspective on where the system is failing and how it can change.
We explore:
•Why food waste is so widespread in a country where hunger remains a pressing issue
•Where food is getting lost across farms, factories, retailers, and homes
•Blind spots in India’s food systems that need urgent fixes
•Why cultural practices around abundance also fuel waste
•Practical, everyday steps listeners can take to waste less food at home
If you have ever wondered why food waste persists despite widespread hunger—and what real solutions look like on the ground—this conversation will leave you both informed and inspired.
About Nutrition Every Day: A special podcast series by The Good Sight and Rise Against Hunger India, bringing sharp, grounded perspectives on health and nutrition.
Credits
Host: Shreya M
Guest: Rinka Banerjee
Research: Alisha C
Artwork: Rajnikant S
Produced by: The Good Sight
Concept: The Good Sight & Rise Against Hunger India
For feedback or to participate, write to us at contact@thegoodsight.org
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