It’s sad that problems like this are still happening!
Guys, please take note that suraus, tahfiz schools, or orphanages are not a place for you to dump your leftover food from your wedding or any social gatherings.
Photo via Twitter (@dyeanarose)
Though donating leftover food is a great way to tackle food waste issues, as well as helping to feed the needy, donors need to keep in mind that food goes stale very quickly, especially in Malaysia’s hot and humid climate.
Recently, a few photos went viral on social media of unfinished food that was donated to a tahfiz school. The food that the school received then became stale after an hour, and the students had to throw them away, and wash the pots and containers after!
The caption reads: “Be responsible. If you want to donate, make sure that the food is edible and not stale or rotten. These kids are humans, too, and they shouldn’t receive leftovers from people.”
Almost every event involves food, and a lot of times there’s extra food that goes to waste. So, here’s how you can safely donate leftover food, according to Further with Food:
1. Find out who needs the donations.
Sometimes, schools and orphanages already have food for their students.
Develop a one-on-one relationship with an NGO or agency in your community and plan ahead! This will make the process easier. You can decide together on a scheduled pickup time and the food the agency can accept.
2. Figure out your donation inventory
Some food is not safe for donation, and it could cause serious problems like food poisoning if it is not taken seriously!
First, get to know how much food you have and the kinds you can donate. Separate the good food from the food you will be throwing away. Determine what is safe and acceptable for donation.
3. Only donate food that hasn’t been served
If food is brought back to the kitchen for any reason, do not donate it.
4. Pack it up properly!
Use proper packaging and food handling procedures. Remember to put on your gloves, cover your mouth and nose and tie your hair back.
Also, store your food properly, package it, cover it tightly and get it there quickly. If you have some extra time, you can opt to label the bags or pans containing the food with date and time, and a description of the contents.
Be responsible!
By: Aishah Akashah Ahadiat
