Am I sinning?

[UKcatholicGuy]

I’m a server assistant at a country club. Part of my job is to collect people’s plates when they’re finished and clear the table. I then take all the dirty plates to the kitchen, where I’m supposed to dump off any remaining food so the dishes can be washed. But I feel this is immoral-- most plates have at least half a portion left. I’ve thrown away whole baskets of rolls, half-eaten steaks, nearly full bowls of pasta, etc etc. I know there’s no way to re-sell this food. And I dont think any homeless shelter would accept left-overs from a restaurant. But I know that there are many hungry, homeless people who would die to have those “scraps” I throw away. What do I do? I just dont feel right throwing all that away, even if it is my job. Am I committing a sin? Involved in a sin by throwing the food away? What should I do?

 

[weddy]

no I do not beleive that you are in sin.

I know it is sinful to waste that which GOD has given, but it seems that many people appreciate the quality or quantity of things we have here in the U.S.
you are hired to do a job of “cleaning” up after others, I do know that it is also illegal in this country to pass leftovers from 1 plate to “another” : FDA rulings are quite clear @ this.

it is not your waste, but someone elses
pray for those who do not have & be grateful for what you do have,for 1 day we may not have this abundance.

 

[Sgt_Sweaters]

I’m inclined to say no.

Logistically, how would you store it? How would you determine what was worth keeping, and what not? What would your means of distribution be? What would you gain by giving them this half-eaten food that you would not gain by buying them new, uneaten food? Maybe you should consider that…

 

[Trelow]

No. You are fine.

 

[AlanFromWichita]

Around here, it would be an issue for health standards.

If extra dishes were made up but not served, I’m all for finding someone to eat it if it can be worked. If you are an employee and are asked to throw away extra good food, there is no reason you can’t ask to bring it home or to someone else. Once you ask, if you are still told to throw it out then it’s OK to obey because your boss has stewardship over the kitchen operation.

If the dishes are served, though, you just never know. The person who didn’t eat it may know something you don’t about “secret ingredients” that might inhabit that particular plate.

Alan

 

[ames61]

One option could be to drop a note to the manager that you have observed the great amount of waste, and make some suggestions in the form of questions about possible solutions. I know, it sounds idealistic, but why not?

Perhaps, would it be possible to serve smaller baskets of rolls and offer seconds when requested. Or would it be possible to offer a choice of smaller portions for a slightly reduced price. Chances are the smaller portion would more than cover the reduced price, and the customers are happy with a perceived value, and less waste them selves. Also smaller portions often lead to more side dishes ordered like appetizers and desserts. Also, are they offering doggy bags. (or foil swan creations for the fancier crowd ) In any event, its probably nothing he hasn’t thought about in the past, but its worth a shot, and would make you feel better about the situation.