Food Banks and Food Redistribution

Malnutrition and undernutrition in developing countries result in poverty due to increase in food cost and low income. Mostly, these low income groups of people spend more for their shelter than food. In developed countries, considerable quantity of food is wasted due to unavoidable circumstances during parties or events.  A lot of local charitable institutions take up gleaning helps at these situations by forming food banks. In these food banks, perishable food items are collected, stored and they are redistributed to the poor people living in nearby geographic locations. In developing countries, few Non Government Organizations (NGO) also take up gleaning,    and they distribute food to their inmates. But in developing nations, food banks or department stores/supermarkets do not get involved in gleaning.

In food waste pyramid, first thing is to ensure that the collected food through food banks is eaten by people. If it fails, then it will be redistributed of the farm animals. Some of the processed food manufacturing companies in developed countries have started to sign up with these food banks. Every year due to rejections, tonnes of fresh fruit and vegetables get wasted in developed countries.

Food Wastage Pyramid

Farmers in both developing countries and developed nations have obstacles in finding secondary markets. In such conditions, they leave fresh fruits or vegetables in the field itself that cannot be sold at the market. These farmers need some local unit for storing perishable fruits and vegetables and manufacture different by products for future marketing and distribution.   

Leading processed food manufacturers in developed countries took quick steps to identify plans to use 'rejected' perishable vegetables and fruits. As per these plant it is possible avoid food wastage at their site and reduce transportation cost also. Several tonnes of apples, cauliflowers, cabbages and spring greens are among the few plant produces that have already been selected for this plan. Some of them sold these rejected vegetables and fruits under discounted rates by sorting them separately. Some supermarkets cooked ready meals with these fruits and vegetables. Poor people, who cannot afford to get a full meal, could get the benefits through this plan. Weather damaged, packing damaged fruits and vegetables have been sold to customers at reduced rates. 

Food Redistribution

Usage of organic farming with Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF) practices can beneficial for the world to maintain biodiversity and get sufficient vegan food for the  healthy future generation. Organic fruits and vegetables are more resistant to withstand the viral and bacterial infections in the plants and trees. as the seeds are obtained from plant breeding people can get long term benefits while saving the world from climatic adversities  such as green house effect global warming etc.,                      

International Day of Rural Women

Women in ancient Mesopotamia had been in charge of fields and gardens where cereals were grown. With the invention of plough, farming became the work of men, due to weight of the plough. When men go for hunting, women were able to grow small plants and try to get fire wood for cooking. Starting from sowing seeds to harvesting, rural women work in the fields for prolonged hours and manage their families also. Traditionally in countries of high population, rural women get involved in farming and in fact they had great affinity for this occupation. Apart from fulfilling their monetary needs, they had patience and skill sets to take up these activities. 

She takes care of the crop seeds and harvested produces and every one of the family members took part in agricultural activities. In different countries, animals were used for tough tasks related to agriculture. Women folk took care of these animals used in fields. Industrial revolution took a toll when next generation started to pursue their career in industry and inclined to move to cities. 

After few centuries, people realized about effects of polluted environment and difficulties to get employed in cities only. Urban women in developing countries switched over to processed foods and fast foods. Increase in the incidence of various diseases resulted. Now at a global level, people are switching over to organic farming due to health benefits of organic foods. Present younger generation of women should venture into Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF), as there are lots of advanced techniques to support them. 

Organic Farming

Our environment is protected through avoiding harmful chemicals in the farming sector. Packing of organic products is also accomplished with agricultural by-products and this can save our earth. Rural women are getting empowered through various steps taken by governments of developing countries. Successful women entrepreneurs are gradually emerging in these countries. This will improve the status of poor rural women involved in agricultural practices. 

Inequality in wages and other working conditions are also getting improved with media publicity. Increasing mobile and internet usage in rural places also contribute to this. Various international research institutions, Non Government Organization (NGO), religious bodies and funding organizations are confident about performance of rural women communities. With more active role on rural scenario, women can improve the economy status of their countries through permaculture. They care for their family and they will mend the entire world.