Introduction to the Food Waste Problem in Mexico
Millions of people in Mexico face food insecurity while millions of tons of food are wasted annually. According to Claudia García Zambrano, Director of National Alliances and Social Investment at the Mexican Network of Food Banks (BAMX), over 180,000 tons of food were rescued and distributed in 2024, benefiting more than 2.4 million vulnerable individuals. However, this figure represents only 0.6% of the total food wasted in the country.
Food Loss Challenges
The majority of food loss occurs in the field before reaching the final consumer. Fruits and vegetables that fail to meet aesthetic standards or are left unharvested due to lack of infrastructure and transportation remain in the ground. “Rescuing food in the field involves a high logistical cost,” explains García Zambrano. “Refrigerated freight is one of the main challenges to ensure its recovery in dignified conditions.”
Environmental Impact of Food Waste
Beyond the social impact, food waste poses a serious environmental threat. Each ton of uneaten food equates to the loss of natural resources like water, energy, and land, along with unnecessary carbon emissions. Conversely, each ton rescued helps mitigate these effects by reducing pressure on production systems and the need to produce more food.
BAMX’s Goals and Strategies
BAMX aims to double the number of beneficiaries by 2030, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 12.3, which seeks to halve food waste globally. They promote a circular economy model where products that have lost commercial value but remain suitable for human consumption are sorted, upcycled, and redistributed.
Key Challenges and Solutions
Some pressing challenges include tax incentives for donor companies, a regulatory framework that facilitates donations, and technological innovation to enhance traceability and logistical efficiency. “Investing in waste reduction solutions is not a cost, but an opportunity for responsible leadership,” concludes García Zambrano.
Shared Responsibility
Combating food waste requires a shared commitment from industry, government, and each individual at home. Every rescued food item counts not just for the recipient but also for a more sustainable and equitable future.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the food waste problem in Mexico? Millions of tons of food are wasted annually while millions face food insecurity. In 2024, BAMX rescued and distributed 180,000 tons, benefiting 2.4 million vulnerable individuals, which is only 0.6% of the total food wasted.
- Where does most food loss occur? The majority of food loss happens in the field before reaching consumers. Fruits and vegetables that fail aesthetic standards or are left unharvested due to lack of infrastructure and transportation remain unused.
- What are the environmental impacts of food waste? Food waste leads to the loss of natural resources like water, energy, and land, along with unnecessary carbon emissions. Rescuing food helps mitigate these effects.
- What are BAMX’s goals and strategies? BAMX aims to double beneficiaries by 2030, aligning with SDG 12.3. They promote a circular economy model sorting, upcycling, and redistributing food that has lost commercial value but remains suitable for consumption.
- What challenges does BAMX face? Key challenges include tax incentives for donor companies, a regulatory framework that facilitates donations, and technological innovation for traceability and logistical efficiency.
- Who is responsible for combating food waste? Combating food waste requires a shared commitment from industry, government, and individuals at home. Every rescued food item contributes to a more sustainable and equitable future.
