Caritas Backs Bill Seeking to End Hunger, Curb Food Wastage

A Catholic priest on Tuesday expressed support for the bill seeking to promote food security and prevent food wastage in the country.

“Caritas Manila is open to be a partner and conduit of food for the hungry,” Fr. Anton Pascual, executive director of Caritas Manila said in an interview.

The Catholic priest added that the measure will address the problems of people who cannot afford to buy food.

“Zero hunger act bill is spirit inspired to address directly the evil of hunger. Hunger is not God’s will. Ten percent of Filipinos will sleep each night hungry. Feed the hungry is a corporal work of mercy,” he said.

Pascual added that the social action arm of the Archdiocese of Manila is all for the passage of the House Bill 3342 filed by Bagong Henerasyon Party-list Rep. Bernadette Herrera.

“In a Christian dominated country, to feed the hungry is an obligation, not a choice. Caritas Manila supports the bill 100 percent,” he said.

According to Herrera, the measure can be an effective way to eliminate hunger affecting millions especially among the urban poor and in the poorest barangays in the country.

Under the bill, all restaurants and other food-related establishments must donate excess food to chosen charities and non-profit organizations.

She added with the donation of excess or surplus food of establishments, those who are hungry will be able to have safe and quality food and establishments can increase productivity, save waste disposal costs, and uphold its environmental goals.

A 2011 report of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations showed more than 20,000 children under five years old die from hunger daily.

In another report released in 2013, the FAO said 1.3 billion tons of food is wasted every year. (PNA)