More Chocolate, Less Waste: Our Story with Food Bank Quito (BAQ)
We live in a megadiverse country, surrounded by fertile land that generously provides us with all types of fruits and vegetables. We have so many products available that waste has become a habit. In sad contrast, our beautiful country ranks second in chronic childhood malnutrition in the region. We, who know we will have food on our tables tomorrow, must act in favor of those whose daily concern is access to their next meal.
We can all contribute with small actions. We can become aware of how much we waste, we can plan our purchases with the help of a weekly menu, we can serve correct portions to avoid discarding what is left on the plate daily. Furthermore, we can ask ourselves, what would I like them to do for me if I were the one who is hungry every day?.
For three years, República del Cacao and the Food Bank of Quito have worked as allies to save food and together offer not only the joy associated with eating delicious chocolate, but also training and motivation to start micro-enterprises. This alliance has strengthened efforts to tell more than 90,000 Quito residents, “We are here and we are doing everything we can so that at least today, you have a plate of food.”.
– By Alicia Guevara, Founder BAQ