How to Mark the International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste – And Keep the Effort Going Year-Round

Every year on 29 September, the world comes together to mark the International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste. 

The day, designated by the United Nations, highlights a pressing issue: globally, an estimated one-third of all food produced is lost or wasted. 

That’s not just a tragic waste of resources – it has serious environmental, social, and economic consequences.

But the day isn’t just about awareness. It’s about action. Here’s how you can observe the International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste – and, more importantly, keep that momentum going all year long.

Why It Matters

Food waste doesn’t just hurt our wallets – it also fuels climate change. When food is thrown away, the energy, water, and labour that went into producing it are wasted too. 

In landfill, food waste breaks down and releases methane, a potent greenhouse gas. Meanwhile, millions around the world still face food insecurity. Tackling food loss and waste is a way of addressing these challenges together.

Ways to Mark the Day

1. Take Stock of Your Kitchen

On 29 September, start with a simple action: open your pantry, fridge, freezer, and cupboards. Identify items close to their use-by dates and plan meals around them. It’s a practical way to honour the day and prevent food from going in the bin.

2. Host a “Waste-Free” Meal

Invite family or friends for a meal made entirely from what you already have at home. It sparks conversation about reducing waste while also proving that creative cooking can be fun (and delicious).

3. Share the Message

Use your voice on social media to share tips, recipes, and facts about food waste. The more people know, the more likely they are to change their habits.

4. Support Local Food Projects

Many UK communities run food banks, community fridges, or redistribution projects. Donating surplus food or volunteering your time can make an immediate impact.

Keeping the Effort Year-Round

Awareness days are a great spark, but the real change comes from building new habits. Here are some year-round practices:

Plan Your Meals: Writing a weekly meal plan reduces impulse purchases and ensures you only buy what you’ll use.

Understand Labels: Learn the difference between “use by” (safety) and “best before” (quality). Many foods are perfectly fine past their best before date.

Store Food Smartly: Keep bread in the freezer, revive wilted veg in water, and store apples away from bananas to prevent early ripening.

Love Leftovers: Repurpose last night’s dinner into tomorrow’s lunch. Soup, stir-fries, and frittatas are great for using up odds and ends.

Compost: If something really can’t be eaten, composting keeps it out of landfill and nourishes the soil.

Champion Businesses Fighting Waste: Support cafés and restaurants that donate surplus or apps like Too Good To Go, which help reduce waste at the retail level.

Final Food Waste Thoughts

The International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste is a valuable reminder – but the goal is to turn awareness into lasting action. By making small changes at home and supporting wider initiatives, each of us can play a part in reducing waste, saving money, and protecting the planet.

This 29 September, take one step. Then keep stepping, all year long.

B12 Awareness Day: Why We All Need to Pay Attention

Each year, B12 Awareness Day reminds us just how vital this nutrient is for our health and wellbeing. 

In the UK, thousands of people live with Vitamin B12 deficiency—many without even realising it. Left untreated, low levels of B12 can cause lasting damage, so raising awareness is crucial.

Why Vitamin B12 Matters

Vitamin B12 is essential for:

The nervous system – helping keep our brain and nerves healthy.

Red blood cell production – preventing anaemia and fatigue.

DNA synthesis – supporting cell growth and repair.

Mental health – with deficiency sometimes linked to low mood, memory issues, and confusion.

Without enough B12, daily life can quickly become a struggle, and in severe cases, irreversible nerve damage can occur.

Who’s at Risk in the UK?

According to the NHS, certain groups are more likely to be deficient:

Vegans and vegetarians – as B12 is mainly found in animal products. Many plant-based eaters rely on fortified foods (like breakfast cereals or plant milks) or supplements.

Older adults – absorption of B12 naturally decreases with age.

People with conditions such as pernicious anaemia, Crohn’s disease, or coeliac disease.

Those taking medications such as metformin (for type 2 diabetes) or proton pump inhibitors (used for indigestion and acid reflux).

Recognising the Symptoms

B12 deficiency symptoms can be wide-ranging and easy to miss. Watch for:

Extreme tiredness

Pins and needles (paraesthesia)

Mouth ulcers or a swollen tongue

Memory problems or confusion

Mood changes such as depression or irritability

Vision problems

If left untreated, these symptoms can worsen and cause permanent damage.

Getting Tested and Treated in the UK

If you think you might be deficient, book an appointment with your GP. They can arrange a blood test to check your B12 levels.

Treatment usually involves:

B12 tablets or sprays for mild deficiency or those at risk.

Hydroxocobalamin injections (available on the NHS) for people who cannot absorb B12 properly, such as those with pernicious anaemia.

With the right treatment, symptoms often improve quickly—but ongoing monitoring may be needed.

How to Support B12 Awareness Day

Share information with friends and family—many people don’t know how common B12 deficiency is.

If you follow a plant-based diet, make sure you’re getting enough B12 through fortified foods or supplements.

Support charities and groups that campaign for better recognition and treatment of B12 deficiency in the UK.

On B12 Awareness Day, let’s take the opportunity to talk openly about this hidden health issue, encourage others to seek help if they’re struggling with symptoms, and ensure B12 deficiency gets the recognition it deserves.

World Multiple Sclerosis Day: Raising Awareness Through Food and Drink

World Multiple Sclerosis Day is a time to unite in raising awareness, improving understanding, and supporting the lives of those affected by Multiple Sclerosis (MS). 

With over 130,000 people in the UK living with MS, it’s more important than ever to start conversations and build community support. One unique and impactful way to do this is through the universal language of food and drink.

In this post, we’ll explore how you can use food-focused events to promote MS awareness, and which foods and supplements may be beneficial for those living with the condition.

Raise Awareness with Food and Drink

Hosting or participating in food and drink-based activities is a simple yet effective way to bring attention to MS. Here are a few ideas to get involved and get cooking:

1. Host an MS Awareness Coffee Morning or Afternoon Tea

Invite friends, family, or colleagues for a cuppa and cake. Serve MS-themed bakes using orange icing (the awareness ribbon colour) or create a table with orange-themed foods. Encourage donations to an MS charity such as the MS Society UK or Shift.ms.

2. Charity Bake Sale or Pop-up Stall

Partner with a local café, tearoom, or market to host a bake sale with MS facts on each table or cake stand. Include leaflets or posters about local support groups or upcoming MS events.

3. Orange Food Day

Orange is the colour of MS awareness. Why not create a menu featuring orange foods? Think roasted carrots, sweet potatoes, pumpkin soup, mango smoothies, or orange-infused cakes. Share the recipes online with the hashtag #WorldMSDay.

4. Cocktails for a Cause

Design a signature orange drink, non-alcoholic or otherwise, and donate a portion of sales or event proceeds to MS charities. Add a tag to your cocktail glass sharing quick MS facts or quotes from people living with MS.

Nutritional Support for People Living with MS

While obviously no specific diet cures MS, a healthy, balanced diet may support overall wellness, reduce inflammation, and help manage fatigue and other symptoms. Always consult with a medical professional before making dietary changes.

Here are some commonly discussed dietary components and supplements:

Anti-Inflammatory Foods

Oily Fish (salmon, sardines, mackerel): Rich in omega-3 fatty acids which may help reduce inflammation.

Leafy Greens: Kale, spinach, and other greens are packed with antioxidants.

Berries: High in polyphenols and vitamin C, which help fight oxidative stress.

Turmeric: Contains curcumin, known for its anti-inflammatory properties.

Vitamin D

Low levels of vitamin D have been linked to higher MS risk and disease progression. Sun exposure helps, but many people with MS take vitamin D3 supplements.

B Vitamins

Especially B12, which supports nerve health. Eggs, dairy, and fortified cereals are good sources.

Whole Grains and Fibre

May support gut health, which is increasingly connected to autoimmune conditions. Try oats, quinoa, and brown rice.

Avoid Highly Processed Foods

Some people with MS find that processed sugars and saturated fats worsen symptoms or fatigue. Reducing intake may help manage energy levels and inflammation.

Useful UK Resources

MS Society UK – www.mssociety.org.uk

Shift.ms – www.shift.ms

Overcoming MS – www.overcomingms.org

These organisations provide support, community stories, dietary advice, and fundraising ideas.

World Multiple Sclerosis Day is a meaningful opportunity to shine a light on the MS community — and food is a warm, accessible way to start conversations. Whether you're baking for a cause, whipping up orange smoothies, or learning how to better support loved ones through diet, every action counts.

Let’s toast (with orange juice or turmeric tea!) to increased understanding, solidarity, and hope for those living with MS.

Understanding Gastroparesis: Raising Awareness During Gastroparesis Awareness Month

August marks Gastroparesis Awareness Month, a crucial time to shed light on a condition that often goes unnoticed despite its significant impact on those who live with it. Gastroparesis, derived from the Greek words gastro (stomach) and paresis (partial paralysis), refers to a chronic digestive disorder where the stomach’s ability to empty its contents is slowed down or stopped, even though there is no blockage. 

This condition can lead to severe discomfort and can significantly impair the quality of life.

What is Gastroparesis?

Gastroparesis is a condition that disrupts the normal motility of the stomach muscles. Under normal circumstances, strong muscular contractions propel food through the digestive tract. However, in individuals with gastroparesis, these contractions are weakened or dysfunctional, causing food to remain in the stomach longer than it should. This delay in gastric emptying can lead to a host of symptoms, including:

Nausea and vomiting: Patients often experience persistent nausea, leading to frequent vomiting, which can be debilitating.

Bloating and fullness: Even after consuming a small amount of food, patients may feel uncomfortably full or bloated.

Abdominal pain: The sensation of pain or discomfort in the stomach is common, contributing to the overall distress.

Malnutrition: Due to difficulties in eating and retaining nutrients, individuals with gastroparesis are at risk of malnutrition and unintended weight loss.

Fluctuating blood sugar levels: Particularly in those with diabetes, delayed gastric emptying can cause erratic blood sugar levels, complicating management.

The Importance of Awareness

Gastroparesis Awareness Month is an opportunity to educate the public and healthcare professionals about this challenging condition. Despite its prevalence, gastroparesis is often misunderstood or misdiagnosed, leading to delays in treatment and unnecessary suffering.

One of the key challenges faced by those with gastroparesis is the lack of a cure. Current treatments focus primarily on managing symptoms and improving the quality of life. These may include dietary modifications, medications to stimulate stomach motility, and in severe cases, surgical interventions.

Supporting Those with Gastroparesis

Living with gastroparesis can be isolating, as the symptoms often interfere with daily activities and social interactions. Raising awareness can foster greater understanding and support for those affected. Here are some ways to contribute:

Educate Yourself and Others: Learn about the condition and share this knowledge with friends, family, and your community. Understanding the challenges faced by those with gastroparesis can lead to more compassionate and supportive environments.

Advocate for Better Treatment Options: Support research and advocacy efforts aimed at finding more effective treatments and ultimately a cure. Joining patient advocacy groups or supporting relevant charities can make a difference.

Encourage Early Diagnosis: Gastroparesis can be difficult to diagnose due to its overlapping symptoms with other gastrointestinal disorders. Encouraging people to seek medical advice for persistent digestive issues can lead to earlier diagnosis and better management.

Support Affected Individuals: Whether it’s offering a listening ear, helping with meal preparation, or being flexible with social plans, small gestures of support can greatly improve the day-to-day lives of those living with gastroparesis.

Gastroparesis Awareness Month is not just about understanding a medical condition; it’s about recognising the daily battles faced by those living with it. By increasing awareness and fostering a supportive community, we can help improve the lives of individuals with gastroparesis and contribute to the ongoing search for better treatments and, hopefully, a cure.

Let’s use this month to make a difference by spreading knowledge, offering support, and advocating for those whose voices are often unheard. Together, we can create a world where living with gastroparesis is more manageable and less isolating.

https://aboutgastroparesis.org/living-with-gastroparesis/gastroparesis-awareness-month/#:~:text=August%20is%20Gastroparesis%20Awareness%20Month.

There's a friend of this blog Ellie Dyson who suffers from gastroparesis and who is appealing for help to raise funds for an operation that, it is hoped, can help her. Please donate what you can. 

https://www.gofundme.com/f/gastric-pacemaker-to-help-me-live-my-life