A Proposed Framework on Repurposing Edible Food Waste as A Madani Food Circular Ecosystem.
*Mohd Zulkeflee Bin Abd Razak (a) Noor Awanis Muslim (a) Dessy Aliandrina

(a) Universiti Tenaga Nasional (UNITEN)

(b) Universitas Internasional Batam (UIB)

Abstract

This proposed study addresses the pressing global issue of food waste and food insecurity among Malaysians. Recent reports have highlighted that over 900 million tonnes of food are wasted annually, with substantial waste found worldwide, not just in affluent countries. Simultaneously, inflation is increasing grocery costs, exacerbating global food insecurity. To bridge this gap, this initiative aims to eliminate food waste and repurpose edible leftovers, drawing inspiration from Malaysia^s Madani concept. The Madani Malaysia concept, driven by six core values, emphasizes sustainability, prosperity, innovation, respect, trust, and compassion. Additionally, this proposed framework considers the Akta Perlindungan Penderma Makanan 2020, allowing hotels to distribute edible food waste without incurring civil liabilities. The hotel industry is a significant contributor to food waste in landfills. Addressing the issue of starving university students as the unit of analysis, this proposed framework seeks to create a Madani Food Circular Ecosystem model. This model not only tackles environmental concerns but also enhances economic efficiency and improves student well-being. Crucially, the proposed framework examines the acceptance and perception of both food donors (hotels) and recipients (university students). By studying patterns and causes of food waste and food insecurity, the findings discussed will validate the proposed model. The project offers two main benefits: first, the establishment of the Madani Food Circular Ecosystem, addressing environmental and economic issues while enhancing student well-being. Second, it provides policy recommendations to promote student well-being and sustainable environments. Ultimately, this project aims to transform food waste into a valuable resource and alleviate food insecurity among university students.

Keywords: Food security, Proposed framework, Madani Food Circular Ecosystem Model, University students, Sustainability

Topic: Marketing management