"Tirar comida es como robar de la mesa de aquellos que son pobres y hambrientos."

Throwing away food when there are people who are starving is a grave injustice. If you think about it, every bit of food we waste could have been a meal for someone in need. It’s a powerful reminder of how our actions impact others, even when it doesn’t seem obvious.

This idea was famously expressed by Pope Francis. He’s well-known for his focus on social justice and the needs of the poor. When he talks about food waste, he’s really bringing attention to the huge disparity between those who have plenty and those who don’t have enough. It’s not just about being wasteful—it’s about being mindful of our privileges and responsibilities to others.

Imagine you’re at a big family dinner. There’s a spread of food on the table that could feed an army. But at the end of the night, there are piles of leftovers that no one wants. They're just tossed in the trash. Now, think of a local shelter where people line up for a warm meal. The food that went into the bin could’ve fed several of those people. It’s a stark contrast that really drives home the point.

So, what can you do about it? Start small. The next time you're at the supermarket, buy only what you need. Plan meals ahead of time so you use up what you have. If you cook too much, save the leftovers for another day or share them with neighbors. And if you see a sale on non-perishables, consider buying some to donate to a local food bank. These might seem like tiny changes, but they add up, especially if we all do our part.

Let's bring this down to a personal story. Picture Sarah, a young professional living in the city. She loves to cook and often tries new recipes. But sometimes, she buys too many ingredients and can’t use them all before they spoil. One weekend, Sarah volunteers at a community kitchen. She sees firsthand the gratitude in people’s eyes as they receive their meals. It hits her—hard—that her food waste at home is part of a larger problem.

Sarah starts making changes. She buys less, cooks just enough, and often shares extra portions with her elderly neighbor. She even starts composting and growing some veggies on her balcony. These small efforts make her feel more connected to her community and more conscious about her impact.

In our own lives, we can be like Sarah. We can make mindful choices about how we buy, use, and share food. It’s about more than just reducing waste—it’s about respecting the resources we have and understanding that our smallest actions can help someone else in a big way.

So next time you’re about to throw out that extra piece of bread or those leftover veggies, pause. Think about the people who’d be grateful for what you’re taking for granted. It’s a simple shift in perspective, but it can make a world of difference.