The Olympic Games have caught the world by storm, bringing forth incredible talent and pride. This incredible event is the focal point for many festivities, attributing to increased food consumption of both the contenders and crowds. In fact, Michael Phelps is said to eat a whole pound of pasta after each and every swim. Unfortunately, with increased food production, waste is bound to be a problem. However, there is a solution.
World-renowned chefs Massimo Bottura and David Hertz have joined forces to help make use of food waste in an attempt to feed the hungry. Rio has its fair share of homeless individuals, including young children.
Using leftovers that would otherwise end up in the trash, the two chefs are projected to serve around 5,000 meals a day to the needy. The project was originally inspired by a similar cause known as Refettorio Ambrosiano, where 65 international chefs came together to fight the hunger crisis.
“We’re going to work only with ingredients that are about to be wasted, like ugly fruit and vegetables, or yogurt that is going to be wasted in two days if you don’t buy it,” says Hertz. “We want to fight hunger and provide access to good food.”
The two chefs plan on continuing their efforts even after the Olympics have ended. They plan to host vocational training for low-income households in the area as well.