On September 29, in response to World Food Loss and Waste Day, the Ho Chi Minh City Food Association coordinated with the Vietnam Food Banking Network (VFB) to launch the campaign "Fods That Change the Future - Food For Change 2025" and announced the Green Hero initiative - Food Waste Recycling. The campaign peaked in September and October, in response to World Food Day on October 16, with participants from more than 50 countries.
The highlight this year is the Green Hero initiative, a food waste recycling model at source based on international experience (Reloop - Dubai, Toca - Thailand) but adjusted to suit Vietnam. Green Hero applies technology to raise black soldiers and vermicompost to turn food waste into compost, nutrients for soil or animal feed. At the same time, the initiative aims to build an ecosystem connecting restaurants, supermarkets, wholesale markets and farms, creating a sustainable food circulation chain.
Within the framework of the program, the Ho Chi Minh City Food Association and VFB signed a strategic cooperation agreement, focusing on three main activities: collecting and distributing surplus food to disadvantaged communities; education - communication on nutrition and environmental protection; connecting businesses, chefs, and social organizations in culinary events.
Mr. Nguyen Tan Viet - Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City Culinary Association emphasized: "Vietnamese cuisine is not only a cultural heritage but also associated with community responsibility. This cooperation helps spread the spirit of sharing, while affirming the role of cuisine in sustainable development.
In the pilot phase 2025, Green Hero will be deployed at wholesale markets, schools, restaurants, hotels and student dormitories. placing on-site waste treatment machines helps reduce landfill loads, while creating fertilizer for green agriculture. At the same time, the program combines with universities to educate students about waste classification, encouraging each young person to become a "Green Hero" in daily life.
Mr. Nguyen Tuan Khoi - VFB founding Chairman said: "We consider food waste not only an environmental problem, but also an opportunity to build a sustainable recycling ecosystem. Green Hero will become a bridge to bring waste back to serve the community in the form of fertilizers, recycled foods or clean energy.
The Food For Change 2025 campaign and the Green Hero initiative open up new directions for the Vietnamese culinary industry, not only preserving cultural values but also contributing to reducing waste, protecting the environment and creating a positive social impact.
