The Social Gastronomy Movement Food Solidarity Fund (FSF) selected 10 Social Gastronomy organizations to be recipients of USD$ 10,000 to support food-driven solutions for Covid-19 relief and recovery. Out of the 60 applications from 30 countries, AGREA’s Move Food Initiative, specifically the AGREA Rescue Kitchen, was one of this year’s winners.
“We launched this fund not only because it was necessary, but because it was possible. Aside from providing critical financial support, the strength of this fund lies in ensuring that organizations from opposite sides of the world are connected to each other, and feel heard and supported by a larger community,”said Zaya Namjildorj, SGM Strategic Partnerships and Alliances / Fund lead.
“Our hope is that these organizations can grow their local impact when they become part of our global Social Gastronomy community,” Namjildorj added.
Through the Move Food Initiative, AGREA assists farmers to prevent food waste and loss of income as a result of COVID-19 while serving nutrient dense meals to beneficiaries in Metro Manila. AGREA has served over 400,000 individuals during the pandemic, and saved over 173, 000 metric tons of fresh produce from rotting.
READ: Jobs, food and nutrition: The Philippines’ pivot to invest in agriculture
In Move Food Initiative’s zero-waste heroes do not wear capes, but aprons. They transform ugly fruits and vegetables into artisanal and nutritious food, and they also give second chances to food that may likely fill landfills instead of filling stomachs.
These zero-waste heroes are the innovative and expert chefs from AGREA Rescue Kitchen (ARK), they make great meals that are healthy and “Seasonal, Artisanal, Intentional, and Limited” (or SAIL).
They innovate every day to ensure Move Food Initiative’s zero food waste operations. These innovative and expert chefs lost their jobs because of the COVID-19 challenge. Now, they have decent jobs by being zero food waste heroes.
ALSO READ: Zero Food Waste Heroes: food movers and rescuers amidst the pandemic
This zero-food waste initiative captured the mission of Social Gastronomy Movement (SGM), making AGREA one of the winners for this year’s first round of Food Solidarity Funding. The Social Gastronomy Movement is an interconnected global network of local communities that use the power of food to create social change.
The Food Solidarity Fund jury
15 finalists were reviewed by a larger independent and inclusive jury on July 30. The jury panel was the epitome of collaboration- consisting of chefs, artists, and social impact organizations. Each member was invited based on their unique expertise and all of them reflect SGM values of service, gratitude, and equity.
THE JURY PANEL was the epitome of collaboration- consisting of chefs, artists, and social impact organizations. Each member was invited based on their unique expertise and all of them reflect SGM values of service, gratitude, and equity. (Original images: credited to rightful owners; Graphics by AGREA)
The Food Solidarity Fund jury included:
- Candace Lessa, President of the board at Ashoka Brasil
- Chef Mauro Colagreco, Restaurant Mirazur (Ranked #1 by 50 Best Restaurants and first certified plastic-free restaurant in the world)
- Lady Mariéme Jamme, Founder of iamtheCODE and SDG Goalkeeper
- Lukas Nelson, Renown Musician and advocate
- Nasser Jaber, Co-founder of The Migrant Kitchen
- Patricia Lobaccaro, founder of Mobilize Global and former president of BrazilFoundation
- Saul Betmead de Chasteigner- Chief Marketing Officer of the UN World Food Programme
The projects were evaluated based on four evenly weighted criteria: community impact, collaboration, innovation, and team capacity. A special consideration was also given to geographical diversity.
Take a look at the 10 beneficiaries of the first round of Food Solidarity Fund here.
Source: 10 Projects Selected for SGM’s Food Solidarity Fund