This year, 2024, Vietnam Foodbanking Network is proud to launch the “Food For Change” campaign, part of the Global FoodBanking Network’s global initiative. This campaign is designed to raise awareness about the critical connections between food loss and waste, hunger, food insecurity, and climate change. As food banks around the world come together to address these pressing issues, Vietnam Foodbanking Network is mobilising its entire network across the country to take part in this impactful campaign.

Why Food For Change?

Food has immense power. It sustains life, builds strong communities, and plays a crucial role in the health of our planet. Yet, the global food system is deeply flawed. While billions of people worldwide rely on food for nourishment and well-being, nearly 30% of the global population faces moderate to severe food insecurity. Among these, more than 280 million people are suffering from severe hunger.

Instead of being thrown, expired but still usable food will be recalled and be donated to the needy by VFN volunteer every night

In stark contrast, one-third of all food produced globally is either lost or wasted each year. This massive food waste is not only an ethical concern but also an environmental one. The food system’s waste accounts for about half of its greenhouse gas emissions, contributing significantly to the climate crisis.

The Urgent Need for Change

The time to act is now. The “Food For Change 2024” campaign calls for bold solutions that address both hunger and the environmental impact of food waste. It urges corporate partners, policymakers, and funders to take collective action, recognizing that solving these interconnected crises requires collaboration at every level.

How Food Banks Make a Difference

Food banks are uniquely positioned to bridge the gap between hunger relief and climate action. They recover surplus food from farms, manufacturers, retailers, and restaurants that would otherwise be wasted and redistribute it to those in need. This effort not only helps alleviate hunger but also significantly reduces the greenhouse gases associated with food waste, and contributes to green development with the goal of reaching net zero emissions.

Grounds from Startbucks are recalled, being fertilizer in our Green Community Garden

Through this campaign, Vietnam Foodbanking Network will continue its vital work of recovering nutritious food and delivering it to vulnerable communities. Less food waste means fewer greenhouse gas emissions, and more food for those who need it most. It’s a simple but powerful equation for change.

Mobilising Nationwide

Vietnam Foodbanking Network will activate its network in all of our Foodbank members to engage local stakeholders, including farmers, producers, corporate partners, and community organisations. This campaign through various activities will spread and create positive, long-term changes in the community and society, which include: Launch of the Food Donation Atlas in Vietnam, “Stop Food Waste” Communication Campaign, Vietnam Foodbanking Network Leadership Development Incubation Program, Sustainable Food Forum & Food Hero Award Ceremony 2024, Launch of Vietnam Foodbanking Center,… 

Together, we will work to raise awareness, spread the messages, and implement solutions that contribute to both food security and climate resilience. We aim to strongly emphasis on some key components of the “Food For Change 2024” campaign:

1. Food recovery initiatives: Promoting the partnership with local businesses and farmers to recover surplus food and redistribute it to communities in need.

2. Public awareness campaigns: Using media, knowledge-sharing events, and social platforms to inform the public about the links between food waste, hunger, and climate change, and how they can get involved.

3. Guidelines and recommendations on food donation in Vietnam: Engaging with policymakers to promote some advice that support food waste reduction, promote food donation from donors and food companies,… towards a sustainable food system in community support.

4. Corporate engagement: Encouraging businesses to contribute to the campaign through food donations, financial support, and participation in waste-reduction programs.

Food surplus are recovered and are redistributed to communities in need

The “Food For Change 2024” campaign is more than just a fight against hunger. It’s a movement to create a better and more sustainable world for future generations. Through this campaign, Vietnam Foodbanking Network reaffirms its commitment to ending hunger, reducing food waste, and building climate resilience in communities across the country.

Join us in making #FoodForChange a reality—because food has the power to change the world. Together, we can create a future where no one goes hungry and where our planet thrives.

Vietnam Food Bank Network.