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Sunday, March 15, 2026

The Food Commons Foundation held a "Step by Step:Foo dSAve Walkathong" event today (15th). Through tea gatherings, food distribution experiences, and guided community walks, the event aimed to help citizens gain a deeper understanding of the current situation regarding food waste and grassroots food assistance in Hong Kong, and to facilitate face-to-face interactions with beneficiary elderly and their families. The walking route started from San Tin Tsuen in Tai Wai, passing through Che Kung Temple, Tai Wai Market, and The Wai Shopping Centre. Along the way, experienced recyclers and volunteers explained the "collect and distribute in the same area" model, sharing how to collect, sort, and distribute food in markets and shops on the same day, transforming potentially discarded ingredients into community support.

Food Commons Foundation Chairman Leung Kam-tim and Sha Tin District Councillor Law Yuen-pui, Chairperson of the Sha Tin Women's Association and Sha Tin District Councillor, delivered speeches, emphasizing the importance of community food rescue and assistance efforts in the context of poverty and an aging population. Leung Kam-tim pointed out that experiential activities like guided community walks help citizens understand recycling operations and establish the concepts of "leftover food can be reused" and "food conservation starts in the community."

"Sha Tin District Food Recycling and Sharing Scheme" Survey

A survey conducted earlier by the Foundation on the "Sha Tin District Food Recycling and Sharing Scheme" revealed that nearly 70% of respondents would experience a significant increase in financial pressure if the service were to be disrupted due to funding shortages, reflecting the scheme's crucial role as a safety net. Over half of the households saved more than HK$500 per month on food expenses, with some saving over HK$1,000, freeing up funds for medical care, children's education, and daily necessities. Over 90% of respondents indicated that the scheme increased their intake of fresh fruits and vegetables, helping them maintain basic nutrition amidst high prices.

The Food Commons Foundation, established in 2009, has been collecting leftover food in its "collect and distribute within the district" model, accumulating over 11,373 metric tons and benefiting over 10.07 million people. Under its current operation, every HK$1 donated can be converted into approximately HK$6.50 worth of fresh food, effectively combining environmental protection, poverty alleviation, and community connection. The Foundation urges all sectors of society to recognize the value of frontline food recycling services, continue and strengthen grassroots food assistance, and prevent gaps in the community safety net.