In a world where millions go to bed hungry every night, the issue of food waste stands as a glaring paradox. Each year, it’s estimated that one-third of all food produced globally is wasted—about 1.3 billion tons.
     
Food waste occurs at every stage of the supply chain, from farm to table. On farms, crops are often left unharvested due to market prices, cosmetic imperfections, or overproduction. During transportation and storage, improper handling and lack of infrastructure lead to significant losses. In retail, supermarkets discard unsold food items nearing their sell-by dates. Finally, in our homes, leftovers and spoiled products are routinely thrown away.
     
When food is wasted, it’s not just the food itself that’s lost. All the resources used to produce, transport, and process that food—water, land, energy, and labor—are also wasted. Moreover, food waste contributes to climate change and has severe economic costs. The FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization) estimates that the direct economic consequences of food waste amount to $750 billion annually.  
     
So, what is “Wasteless Wednesdays”? "Wasteless Wednesdays" is an initiative by Young Volunteers actively preventing food waste. It’s one of two teams under the Zero Food Waste Cyprus bicommunal project, targeting local fruit and vegetable markets to eliminate food waste across the island. The other team, “Saturday Aftermarket,” operates in the old city center of South Nicosia. Focusing on "Wasteless Wednesdays", the team has been operating in Girne market for three years. Every Wednesday, volunteers gather to collect local fruit and vegetables that would have been thrown away and donate them to those in need. The team, primarily composed of dedicated university students. As far as I observed, I can say that this process requires both physical strength and agility to complete the task before the farmers close their stands. The most crucial elements of the process are “empty crates” —the real treasure boxes, this is how I call them— and their indispensable partner, the “crate trolley! The collection and distribution are done within a couple of hours, making the period hectic yet emotionally rewarding. The strong sense of community and the spirit of cooperation among farmers, locals, and volunteers create an environment filled with good wishes and mutual support. These moments are priceless and give everyone involved additional energy and motivation. Not only is food being saved—sometimes almost two hundred crates—but people’s spirits are also lifted. Joining this team offers an amazing experience!

"Wasteless Wednesdays" has achieved much for a greener Cyprus, but the journey is far from over. The initiative continues to expand its reach and deepen its impact. Future plans include scaling up food rescue operations, enhancing educational programs, and influencing policy to create a more robust framework for food waste reduction. To achieve these goals, they aim at growing their network through collaborations with public authorities, NGOs, and private bodies.
     
If you want to sponsor or join the team, click the link and leave a message: Wasteless Wednesdays. You’ll make a team of volunteers happy!
     
Food waste is a complex issue that requires a collective approach. I believe, together, we can create a world where no food is wasted, and no one goes hungry.

Thank you, "Wasteless Wednesdays"! You are doing amazing, and we are so proud of you!