By Najlaa Rashad

Okaz/Saudi Gazette

JEDDAH — A study revealed that the value of food wasted in the Kingdom reaches over $13 billion a year.

A leading international organization conducted the survey and reported that the value of annual food waste in the Middle East reached over $1 trillion. The survey showed that there was a wide gap between the region’s need for food and its food waste. Several institutions are taking a stance to raise awareness of the issue and create positive change, it said.

The Saudi Food Bank proposed a SR1,000 fine for every kg of food wasted. Another organization launched a campaign titled “Fresh Thinking for Forgotten Food” to promote a positive outlook on saving food.

The campaign aims to change people’s food consumption habits.

The campaign includes media coverage and awareness sessions offering people advice and food recipes to adapt their lives.