In 2022, around 33 million Brazilians are hungry, according to the most recent research by Penssan (Brazilian Research Network on Food and Nutritional Sovereignty and Security) — an increase of 60% in relation to 2018 numbers. food insecurity exceeds the global average and already reaches 36% of the population, according to a study carried out by researcher Marcelo Neri, from FGV.
Given this scenario, The most effective action in the short term is food donation, both by individuals and legal entities. The union of companies, in fact, is capable of collecting and donating a large volume of products to feed those who need it most. An example is the Everyone at the Table, the first Brazilian coalition of companies (including iFood) and organizations to combat both hunger and food waste.
Since it was launched in October 2021, the initiative has donated more than 3,400 tons of supplies to around 1.3 million people across the country. The movement is formed by the companies Bauducco, Camil, Carrefour, Danone, DPA, iFood, Lopes Supermercados, M. Dias Branco, Nestlé and for foodtech Connecting Food, specialist in surplus food redistribution.
O All at the Table Movement mobilizes companies to redistribute food that is suitable for human consumption, but has a high chance of being wasted in the food chain — such as products that are close to their expiration date. With support from Connecting Food, partners use technology to redistribute this type of food in a timely manner, donating it safely to food organizations. combat to hunger and food banks in 19 states.
“In Brazil there is a huge contradiction between the waste of 27 million tons of food and a very latent scenario of people going hungry. But uniting these two problems by creating a single solution is not something that can be done alone. We want to contribute by connecting different agents to solve the problem”, comments João Barreto, director of planning and sustainability at iFood.
How to participate in Todos à Mesa
One of the institutions benefiting from Todos à Mesa is the Instituto Viver Melhor, which promotes inclusive activities, sports and education through community work and training in São Paulo. “The importance [of donations from Movimento Todos à Mesa] is to see needy families having something to eat in their homes. Gratitude for the donated food!” comments Marleide, a volunteer at the Institute.
“In this critical scenario, food redistribution is one of the short-term alternatives, but we still need to go further. The challenge is great, but, together, we can act against waste and for fairer food conditions for everyone”, says Mariana Bazzoni, sustainability manager at Danone Brasil. The Todos à Mesa Movement is open to receiving more companies and institutions that commit to combating food waste and food insecurity. To find out more or participate in Todos à Mesa, visit site of the movement.
