Why Does Food Waste Increase Even When Military Meal Costs Rise?

Increase in Food Waste Every Year Despite School Meal Policy Changes Such as Meal Fee Hikes and Menu Adjustments
From 80,000 Tons in 2017 to Over 110,000 Tons This Year... Annual Disposal Costs Reach 14 Billion Won

[Asia Economy Yang Nak-gyu, Military Specialist Reporter] Food waste within the military is increasing every year. Although the Ministry of National Defense has introduced measures such as raising meal allowances to improve soldiers' meals, there is criticism that these efforts fail to meet the soldiers' preferences.

According to the Ministry of National Defense on the 14th, the military significantly increased meal allowances after concerns about poor-quality meals for soldiers arose. In 2017, the daily meal allowance per soldier was 7,481 KRW, but it was raised to 8,790 KRW last year and further increased to 13,000 KRW in the second half of this year.

The military also reduced rice-containing foods that were mandatorily provided to soldiers according to rice consumption policies. Previously, rice crackers (12 times a year) and rice noodles (6 times a year) were supplied, and rice cakes were given to soldiers on their birthdays. However, due to low preference among soldiers, the system was improved to a self-service meal method. Additionally, the annual provision of 393 cartons of white milk per soldier has been replaced with soy milk and fruit juice starting this year.

However, soldiers are discarding all the meals into food waste bins. The amount of food waste generated by the military was 81,503 tons in 2017. It increased to 105,168 tons in 2019 and reached 109,528 tons last year. This year, it is expected to exceed 110,000 tons.

Food waste that farms used to take for livestock feed is now being refused due to concerns about viral pig diseases. The number of farms collecting food waste was 473 locations (17,305 tons) in 2017 but dropped to only 171 locations (9,563 tons) in 2020.

As farms refuse to collect food waste, the volume handled by general contractors has increased. The processing fees charged by contractors have also risen, causing the expenses for food waste disposal to exceed the originally budgeted amounts. In 2018, 6.8 billion KRW was budgeted for food waste disposal, but 11.07 billion KRW was spent. In 2020, 10 billion KRW was budgeted, but 14.7 billion KRW was used. The military is expected to spend more than the 14.3 billion KRW budgeted for this year.

Within the military, there are voices calling to reduce the delivery of food from veterans' organizations conducted through private contracts. It is said that soldiers are being forced to eat foods with low preference. Veterans' organizations such as Pyeonghwa Yongsachon supply seasoned seaweed, Boeun Yongsachon provides ham slices and chicken nuggets, and the Sangigungyeonghoe delivers kimchi varieties every year.

A military official said, “Because meals are prepared annually with fixed ingredients and standards, soldiers' preferences have declined,” adding, “We plan to reduce food waste through various policies.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.