The End of Heat solar term arrives – the character "End" signifies cessation – marking the formal farewell to the sweltering peak of summer.

However, during this period, the weather is characterised by "warm dryness." The temperature gap between morning and evening begins to widen, while lingering summer dampness remains, often leading to a sense of fatigue known as "autumn lassitude." Diet should focus on sweet and neutral-flavoured foods, with an emphasis on nourishing yin and moistening dryness, helping the body transition smoothly from summer to autumn.

For this solar term, we recommend the following four seasonal vegetables and one fruit – fresh, affordable, and delicious: Okra, Water Spinach ,Luffa,Dragon Fruit

Government can build a win-win food rescue mechanism

SCMP Hong Kong society Opinion / Letters

Letters Published: 10 Aug 2026

Hong Kong discards about 3,000 tonnes of food waste every day – over one million tonnes annually – much of it still edible. At the same time, grass-roots families and elderly citizens struggle with nutrition. The Food Commons Foundation urges the government, in the 2026 policy address, to establish a food rescue mechanism.

Specifically, we propose a 150 per cent green tax deduction under the Inland Revenue Ordinance to encourage enterprises to directly fund food rescue charities.

Second, government tenders should be adjusted so surplus food is intercepted before it can be disposed of, and part of waste budgets can be reallocated for frontline poverty alleviation.

Third, idle public market stalls and space should be provided at symbolic rent for food recovery groups, and there should be a “Good Samaritan” food donation clause to remove legal concerns.

Our projects have cumulatively recovered over 11,467 tonnes of edible food since 2009, benefiting 10.23 million people. Analysis shows that every HK$1 invested in food recovery yields HK$6.50 in social value. This reduces landfill waste, lowers healthcare costs, helps businesses meet ESG (environmental, social and governance) goals and improves nutrition for vulnerable communities.

We envision a four-way win-win framework involving government, businesses, charities and grass-roots citizens.

As we enter early autumn, the days remain hot, yet a chill is beginning to set in during the mornings and evenings. This fluctuating weather can easily affect both your appetite and energy levels! For this seminar, we have once again invited nutritionist Sharon Chan to share tips on mindful eating tailored to early autumn. She will teach you how to use seasonal ingredients to create delicious, nourishing, and appetizing dishes to welcome the change of season.

Date:12 September,2026 (Saturday)

Time: 11:30-12:30a.m.

Venue: Lek Yuen Community Hall, Shatin

The lecture is completely free! All registered attendees will receive a free food gift bag! Spaces are limited, so remember to register in advance!

Today marks the Start of Autumn, officially ushering in the season, though the weather remains hot. Brief spells of high heat may still occur unexpectedly during this period. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, the body's yang energy shifts from outward dispersion to inward conservation at this time. Consequently, the focus of wellness shifts from "clearing heat and relieving summer heat" to moistening dryness, nourishing the lungs, and strengthening the spleen and qi. A diet that is gentle and nourishing is recommended to prepare the body for the autumn and winter months ahead.

Every day, vast quantities of safe food are sent to landfills; meanwhile, countless grassroots elderly in the community lack access to fresh, nutritious food.

The Food Commons Foundation submitted its recommendations for the 2026 Policy Address today, proposing a new mechanism featuring "Business _NGO Direct Linkage with Tax Incentives" to achieve targeted poverty alleviation.

3 Major Policy Recommendations:

1. 150% Green Tax Deduction 

2. Government Tender shifting

3. Space Activation Revitalization & Liability 

June brought the traditional Dragon Boat Festival. Beyond our regular food rescue operations, we specifically collected and distributed 350 boxes of festive *zongzi* (sticky rice dumplings), sharing holiday flavors and care with our neighbors.

Our total rescue volume remained high this month, reaching 1,834.85 kg and benefiting over 8,000 people. From bread and hot meals to an abundance of fruit, canned goods, and seasonal treats, this tangible support was made possible entirely through the hard work and dedication of our volunteers.

We invite you to sign up as a volunteer and help us ensure that rescued food reaches those in need!

To sign up as a volunteer, please scan the QR code or click the link:https://www.foodcommons.hk/en/volunteers