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Pope Francis delivered a poignant message to the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) emphasizing the critical issue of food waste and its potential to alleviate hunger worldwide.
Speaking at a special gathering with IFAD representatives, the Pope highlighted the alarming paradox of abundant food resources going to waste while millions suffer from hunger and food insecurity.
In his address, Pope Francis stressed the moral imperative to address the global food crisis by tackling food waste. He pointed out that the food that is discarded or lost each year could make a significant difference in combating hunger and malnutrition if properly managed and distributed.
The Pope commended IFAD for its efforts in promoting sustainable agriculture and rural development but urged the organization to intensify its focus on reducing food waste and improving food distribution systems. He called for greater collaboration among governments, organizations, and individuals to ensure that surplus food reaches those in need rather than being wasted.
Highlighting the importance of solidarity and compassion in addressing global hunger, Pope Francis called on world leaders and policymakers to prioritize initiatives that aim to eliminate food waste and ensure equitable access to food for all. He emphasized that by working together to combat food waste, society can make significant strides towards eradicating hunger and achieving food security for all.
The Pope’s powerful message resonated with attendees at the IFAD gathering, sparking discussions on concrete actions that can be taken to minimize food waste and maximize its potential to alleviate hunger. As the world faces ongoing challenges related to food insecurity, Pope Francis’s call to action serves as a timely reminder of the collective responsibility to ensure that no one goes hungry in a world of plenty.
He expressed his gratitude for the commitment, time, and energy devoted to “striving for a better world where no one’s dignity is violated and where fraternity becomes a reality, a source of joy and hope for all.”
The Holy Father noted that our world today faces a heartbreaking dichotomy related to food.
“On the one hand, millions of people are plagued by hunger, while on the other hand, great insensitivity is seen in the waste of food,” he said.
This food waste, the Pope noted, each year produces masses of greenhouse gases, while proper rationing would be enough to feed all the hungry.
“We are pushing the world to dangerous limits,” warned the Pope, describing the change in the climate, the plundering of resources, and the countless conflicts threatening the livelihood of millions of people.
“Indigenous peoples are also victims of hardship, deprivation and abuse”, he continued, stressing that “their knowledge of natural resource management and their connection to the environment can help conserve biodiversity.”
Pope Francis then spoke of another neglected group of people: women, whom he said are the mainstay of more than half of the food insecure households in rural areas, where many young people lack training, resources, and opportunities.
“This reality moves us to confront existing problems, in particular hunger and poverty, not by settling for abstract strategies or unattainable commitments, but by cultivating the hope that springs from collective action,” said the Pope. He encouraged all to work together to build a more inclusive agricultural and food system.
Additional Source: Vatican News
