Fight against food waste begins at the table

MUSCAT, FEB 28
Ramadhan is a time for moderation, restraint, gratitude and mindful living. Ironically, however, food sales tend to zoom during this period, despite the reduction to two main meals per day. Social expectations, the desire to diversify dishes, and the surge of promotional offers all contribute to heightened consumption patterns.
For many families, a complete Ramadhan table has become an unspoken benchmark of hospitality. Multiple soups, appetisers, main courses, desserts and beverages are prepared daily — even for small households. Over time, this routine results in recurring food waste. Environmental indicators suggest that organic food waste rises noticeably during Ramadhan, placing additional strain on waste management systems.
Beyond the ethical dimension, food waste carries economic and environmental implications. Financially, excessive purchasing weighs on household budgets, particularly amid fluctuating food prices. Environmentally, discarded food contributes to increased organic waste and associated emissions, compounding sustainability challenges.
Dr Mohammed al Ghailani, a nutritionist, explains that the issue extends beyond waste alone. “Excessive food preparation during Ramadhan not only leads to wastage; it also impacts public health. The variety and abundance of dishes often encourage overeating after long fasting hours, leading to digestive discomfort and weight gain,' he notes. “The body requires a balanced meal after fasting — adequate protein, complex carbohydrates and vegetables — not an overloaded table filled with fat and refined sugars. Moderation in both quantity and quality is essential.”
Dr Al Ghailani further emphasises the importance of meal planning. “Preparing a structured shopping list based on actual household needs can significantly reduce surplus. Proper storage and safe reuse of leftovers are practical steps that families can adopt without compromising food safety,” he adds.
Imam Shaikh Rashid Abdullah underscores that the spiritual essence of Ramadhan must be reflected in daily habits. “Ramadhan is a month of worship and moral refinement. When kitchens overflow with food that is eventually discarded, we must reconsider our understanding of generosity. True generosity lies not in the number of dishes prepared, but in preserving blessings and avoiding excess,” he says. “The Holy Quran clearly warns against extravagance, and the Prophet (PBUH) exemplified simplicity even during times of abundance. It is contradictory to fast in devotion while practicing wastefulness.”
He adds that Friday sermons and Ramadhan lectures can play a meaningful role in reinforcing moderation as a lived value within households. “Teaching children to take only what they need and to appreciate food begins at the dining table.”
Encouragingly, community-led initiatives across various governorates aim to curb food waste during Ramadhan. Volunteer teams collect surplus food from gatherings and distribute it promptly to families in need. Such efforts highlight Oman’s enduring culture of solidarity and collective responsibility.
Meanwhile, social media has amplified the culture of culinary display. Images of extravagant Iftar spreads and challenges featuring dozens of dishes create indirect pressure on families to emulate similar standards. This underscores the role of responsible media messaging in promoting simplicity as a virtue rather than a shortcoming.
Addressing the issue does not require complex solutions. Practical steps — such as mindful shopping, avoiding grocery trips while hungry, portion control and redistributing surplus — can collectively make a significant difference. Additionally, promoting organic waste segregation and composting initiatives would mitigate environmental impact.
Ramadhan is not a season of competition in abundance but an opportunity to redefine generosity through balance and stewardship. True hospitality is measured not by excess, but by wisdom in managing resources. In a society that prides itself on compassion and cohesion, confronting food waste becomes a shared moral and civic responsibility.
As families gather each evening for Iftar, one simple question may guide meaningful change: Do we truly need everything on the table? Honest reflection could mark the first step toward more conscious, sustainable Ramadhan practices. Between spiritual devotion and temptations, families hold the choice to transform their tables into spaces of gratitude rather than waste. Blessings, when valued, endure — and moderation remains a timeless expression of wisdom in everyday life.
GRAPH POINTS
1. Buy only what is essential while shopping
2. Prepare balanced and healthy meals
3. Moderation in quantity and quality is essential
4. Promote organic waste segregation, composting
5. A table is measured not by number of food items
6. If food is excess, find ways to donate it to the needy