Some 2,065 kilograms (kg) of surplus food gathered at the Bacolod South (Libertad) Public Market benefited 616 families in Bacolod Cit.
The produce was rescued from the vendors in 20 consolidation days, social enterprise Sagup Negros said in a report released on Wednesday, Oct. 21.
“The rescued edible surplus food reached 616 families across Bacolod City,” it said.
These families accessed the Sagup Negros community pantry located at Quezon Avenue in Barangay 36.
Sagup Negros said that with the rescue of more than two tons of surplus food, about 1,032 kg of CO2e (carbon dioxide equivalent) have been avoided.
It said the “estimated greenhouse gas emissions avoided are calculated using an assumed emission factor of 0.50 kg CO2e per kilogram of rescued food.”
However, the organization clarified that the “figures are for estimation purposes only and do not represent verified emission reductions.”
Sagup Negros said it is collaborating with the City of Bacolod through the Office of the City Administrator as it “continues to consolidate surplus food and redirect it toward communities in need.”
“We’re proving that when communities work together, surplus food can become a source of nourishment instead of waste,” it added.
During the initial collaboration in August, about 622 kg of fruits, vegetables, seafood, meat and groceries were received from Libertad Public Market vendors, benefiting at least 40 families from three barangays.
City Ordinance 1144, otherwise known as the Food Waste Reduction and Sustainable Food Practices Ordinance, seeks to strengthen the city’s commitment to reducing food waste and promoting more sustainable food practices.*PNA
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