Food waste is one of those problems that feels too big to fix. But the reality is that it's one of the most solvable environmental issues we face, because the fix isn't technological. It's behavioural. Here are five facts about food waste in South Africa that reframe the problem and show exactly where change can start.

1. South Africa wastes 10 million tonnes of food every year

South Africa wastes an estimated 10 million tonnes of food every year, roughly 45% of everything we produce. That food represents billions of rands in lost value, the water and land used to grow it, and the emissions generated getting it to shelf, all for nothing.

2. 20 million South Africans go to bed hungry every night

Around 20 million South Africans go to bed hungry every night, even though there's more than enough food produced to feed everyone. The food exists. It simply isn't reaching the people who need it, or who could afford it at a fair price.

3. Food waste costs the economy R60 billion a year

The economic cost is staggering. Food waste costs the South African economy an estimated R60 billion annually. That's value lost across the entire supply chain, from farm to processing to retail to household, and it's a cost ultimately carried by consumers and businesses alike.

4. Food waste is a bigger climate problem than you think

When food decomposes in landfill it releases methane, a greenhouse gas roughly 80 times more potent than CO2 over 20 years. Food waste is responsible for an estimated 8 to 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions, more than the entire aviation industry. Wasted food doesn't just represent lost value. It represents doubled emissions, once to produce it and once again when it rots.

5. Most surplus food is still perfectly safe and fresh

Here's the part that surprises people. Most surplus food at the retail and food service level (restaurants, bakeries, supermarkets, cafés) is still perfectly safe and fresh. It hasn't expired. It's simply unsold by closing time. As the "Where It Happens" breakdown on our Surplus Food page shows, the retail and distribution stage is one of the most concentrated points of avoidable waste in the supply chain, where food is already prepared, packaged and ready for someone to enjoy.

That's exactly where Refreshi steps in. Every Surprise Bag on the platform is food that's good to eat but hasn't sold during the trading day. Instead of binning it at close of business, partner stores list it on the app at up to 50% off, and a nearby customer collects it for dinner.

Curious how Refreshi ensures every Surprise Bag is safe to eat? Read our Food Safety Recommendations.