Pope Francis says wasting food is like stealing from the poor

The new pope has called on Catholics to address the social issues that mean so much to him -- poverty and worldwide hunger -- since his election in March.

“Throwing away food is like stealing from the table of the poor and the hungry,” Pope Francis said to an audience in St. Peter's Square on Wednesday, according to the Telegraph.

“This culture of waste has made us insensitive even to the waste and disposal of food, which is even more despicable when all over the world, unfortunately, many individuals and families are suffering from hunger and malnutrition,” he said.

Once our grandparents were very careful not to throw away any leftover food. Consumerism has led us to become used to an excess and daily waste of food, to which, at times we are no longer able to give a just value.

This year, World Environment Day encourages individuals to reduce food waste and energy consumption in their own homes.