'Rescue Kitchen' turns food waste into hope for the hungry

Every time we bite into a juicy burger, do we ever stop to think how lucky we are that we are not one of the millions who go to bed hungry? It’s ironic, isn’t it? While so many struggle to find their next meal, the world continues to battle the problem of food waste.

- By LEN AMADORA

Koichi Ozaki, president of Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation

In the Philippines, households are the biggest contributors to this issue. According to the 2024 Food Waste Index Report by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), Filipino households throw away approximately 2.95 million metric tons of food each year, with rice being the most discarded item. That is food that could have fed millions.

But it is not just homes. The food service sector also contributes significantly to food waste. Restaurants and all-you-can-eat buffets account for 28 percent of the total food waste, according to the 2024 UNEP report.

Truly, the problem of food waste is widespread and Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation (APC) together with Scholars of Sustenance are stepping up to address this issue.

The Rescue Kitchen Program

In our country, food waste and hunger often sit side by side. Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation, together with Scholars of Sustenance (SOS) Philippines, shows us how leftovers can become a lifeline for another family.

During a recent food distribution program held at the San Lorenzo Ruiz Parish in Quezon City, APC president Koichi Ozaki, who personally helped prepare and distribute the meals, spoke to Manila Bulletin about the Rescue Kitchen Program.