RtNZ PH explores collaboration to address hunger and food waste on World Food Day
16 October 2026, Makati City - In observance of World Food Day, Race to Net Zero Philippines (RtNZ PH) met with the Philippine Food Bank Foundation, Inc. and Reach Out and Feed Philippines to explore opportunities for collaboration on two connected challenges: persistent hunger and the climate impact of food waste.
The Philippine Food Bank Foundation, Inc. was represented by its President, Mr. Itong Torres, while Reach Out and Feed Philippines was represented by its Programme Director, Ms. Xenia Diez.
The discussion centered on a potential joint project that would help address both concerns, with particular attention to scaling up existing initiatives that are already providing meals to underserved communities. Building on these working models offers an opportunity to strengthen ongoing efforts and reach more people.
The meeting comes amid renewed concern over hunger in the Philippines. According to the September 2026 Social Weather Stations survey, 22.6% of Filipino families experienced involuntary hunger at least once in the preceding three months. This was above the 21.1% annual average recorded in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Read: SWS: Sept involuntary hunger surges to 22.6%
Alongside this need is the environmental cost of food that goes uneaten. The United Nations Environment Programme estimates that food loss and waste account for 8–10% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Food waste also represents the loss of resources used to produce, transport, and store food.
For RtNZ PH, connecting hunger reduction with food waste prevention brings the net-zero transition closer to everyday needs. Keeping food from going to waste can support climate action while creating opportunities to improve access to meals.
World Food Day offered a timely opportunity to connect these efforts. Addressing hunger and reducing food waste require sustained cooperation among organizations working across community development and climate action.
