Food Waste

Reading passage — قطعة القراءة

At the end of a family celebration, a table was still covered with food. Some dishes could be stored safely, but others had been left out for too long. Dina wondered why people often prepared far more than they needed. Her family explained that offering guests plenty of food was a sign of generosity. Dina respected the tradition but suggested that generosity should not require avoidable waste.

For a month, the household wrote a shopping list before visiting the market. They checked what was already in the refrigerator, planned realistic portions and labelled containers with preparation dates. Dina also learned that a best-before date usually concerns quality, while a use-by date concerns food safety. She asked an adult to help decide when leftovers should be refrigerated, eaten or discarded.

The family still welcomed guests warmly, but they began serving smaller portions and offering seconds. Where appropriate, they shared safe unopened supplies with a community collection. Their food bills became easier to manage, and less edible food went into the bin. Dina concluded that reducing waste does not mean serving less kindness. It means planning carefully, respecting food safety and using resources responsibly.