Tackling Food Waste: SA’s role in fighting climate change
As we mark World Environmental Health Day on 26 September, the link between food waste and climate change takes centre stage.
While climate action is urgent on many fronts, one major contributor often overlooked is food waste. Globally, a staggering one-third of all food produced goes to waste, contributing significantly to climate change.
When food waste decomposes in landfills, it releases methane, a greenhouse gas far more potent than carbon dioxide. Shockingly, food waste is responsible for about 8% of global greenhouse gas emissions.
In South Africa, the problem is particularly alarming, with over 10 million tonnes of edible food wasted each year. The environmental cost is immense, with resources like water, land, energy, and labour being wasted alongside the food itself.
At FoodForward SA (FFSA), we are tackling this issue head-on. Their innovative food banking model rescues surplus food from farmers, manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers before it ends up in landfills. This surplus food is then stored and redistributed to local non-profits across the country.
By redirecting perfectly edible food away from landfills, FFSA not only reduces waste but also slashes the environmental impact of food disposal. In the past year, FFSA’s efforts have saved 113,152 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions — the equivalent of taking over 88,000 cars off South Africa’s roads for a year. For every tonne of food they recover, they prevent 5.2 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions.
“Instead of focusing on producing more food, we need to focus on using our resources wisely and reducing waste,” says Andy Du Plessis, Managing Director of FFSA. “Combating climate change through solutions like food banking is critical to building a sustainable future.”
As South Africa grapples with food insecurity, at FFSA we understand that fighting food waste is not just about feeding people—it’s about taking meaningful action to combat climate change.
Simple Solutions to Tackle South Africa's Food Waste Crisis

As we approach the International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste (IDAFLW) on 29 September, the pressing issue of food loss and waste in South Africa demands attention. Each year, over 10 million tonnes of food are discarded, severely impacting the country’s food security. Of the 31 million tonnes of food produced annually, a third is never eaten—further exacerbating South Africa’s ongoing food insecurity and climate crisis.
In 2023, the cost-of-living crisis, skyrocketing food prices, high unemployment rates, and deepening inequality have left 15% of the population—roughly 9.34 million people—facing hunger.
“We produce enough food in South Africa to feed everyone,” says Andy Du Plessis, Managing Director of FoodForward SA (FFSA). “Yet, a large portion of our food never reaches the consumer because of various supply chain dynamics across the food production and distribution system.”
To further combat food waste at the household level and reduce the amount of food ending up in landfills, Du Plessis offers some simple, effective tips:
- Plan your weekly meals: Carefully plan meals and purchase only what you need to avoid overbuying and wasting food.
- Know the difference between “best before” and “use by” dates: Understanding these labels helps reduce unnecessary disposal of food that is still safe to eat.
- Store food properly: Keep perishable items in the right conditions to extend their shelf life.
- Donate excess food: Share surplus produce with neighbours, local food banks, or soup kitchens, ensuring it reaches those who need it most.
- Compost organic waste: Instead of discarding fruit and vegetable peels, repurpose them into compost for gardens.
Food systems globally account for an estimated 60% of global methane emissions, and food loss and waste related emissions account for 20% of this, which is driving climate change.
The fight against food loss and waste can make a real difference in reducing food insecurity and malnutrition.
This International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste, FFSA encourages individuals and those within the food system to take the necessary actions toward minimising food waste and maximising impact.