Local transformation resource, ReThink, has launched an initiative aimed at bringing an end to hunger in T&T through a novel way practised in several parts of the world. The idea is quite simple, easy to execute and revolutionary in its impact on meeting the needs of so many who go hungry every day.
The idea is to collect good, wholesome food that is being thrown away by restaurants and supermarkets and donate it to those in need.
Random calls to many popular food places revealed that owners were quite willing to donate the excess food which would not be immediately perishable or expired if used at that time. Hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of good food can be found in the nation’s trash bins each day while more children and adults go hungry. It is a crying shame if not a sin.
The Feed the Need for Happiness initiative of ReThink seeks to end this practice by enlisting the support of restaurant and supermarket owners across the island to allow the food to be collected by vans and distributed directly to the homeless as well as to NGOs.
The programme was launched by ReThink on Friday in commemoration of United Nations International Day of Happiness, which is observed around the world on March 20.
ReThink plans to follow the move by France by lobbying to make T&T the second country in the world to stop supermarkets from throwing away or destroying unsold food and ensuring instead it is donated to charities and food banks. Many leading business people have embraced the ReThink initiative and joined them on Friday in distributing the meals mainly in the city.
Those wishing to become a part of the initiative can call 622-3583 or visit the ReThink website www.rethink.co.tt