SOS tackles food waste crisis

Organisation redirects surplus items to vulnerable communities under strict food safety standards, writes Kuakul Mornkum

- Kuakul Mornkum

Amid Thailand's growing food waste crisis, one initiative is making a difference by redirecting surplus food to vulnerable communities under strict food safety standards.

This approach not only minimises landfill waste and carbon emissions, but also enhances nutritional support for those in need.

SURPLUS FOOD AWARENESS

Founded in 2016, the Scholars of Sustenance Foundation (SOS) began its operations in 2017, inspired by Bo H. Holmgreen's concern over edible food being discarded by luxury hotels while individuals in nearby communities faced hunger.

At the time, surplus food donation was uncommon, and many businesses were unsure of how to manage surplus food. When SOS Thailand approached hotels, most claimed they had no surplus, said Tanaporn Oi-isaranukul, director of Thailand operations and communications.

To raise awareness, Ms Tanaporn said SOS Thailand launched the Compost Programme, providing bins for organic waste. Hotels began using them for fruit peels and vegetable scraps.

In one case, bins were filled with croissants that did not meet aesthetic standards, but were edible, an example of surplus food.

After three years, as hotels understood the difference between food surplus and waste, the programme was halted.

By 2018, SOS Thailand had expanded its efforts to include hypermarkets, retailers, restaurant chains, food producers, exporters and wholesalers.

The foundation operates in Bangkok, Hua Hin, Chiang Mai and Phuket, with volunteer networks supporting other provinces.

FINDING THOSE IN NEED

She said when the foundation receives a community request, SOS's community team begins a screening survey to assess the community's needs and challenges. This helps in analysing levels of food insecurity and categorising communities.