Every day in Hong Kong, there are about 3,000 tonnes of food waste. Most of them are still consumable, but they are sent to landfills. However, in the community, there are over a million elderly or grassroots people who do not have enough food to eat. Excessive leftover food leads to wastage and increases the burden of landfills. A series of problems caused by food waste have a wide impact on the economy, people’s livelihood, environmental pollution and social development. In view of this, Food Commons Foundation’s Food Sharing Action was officially launched in 2009. It is the first food sharing action in Hong Kong that combines environmental protection and community mutual assistance. With a focus on the community, it connects groups from different districts to establish a resource network that can tackle the problem of food waste.  

About 3,000 tonnes of food waste is discarded in Hong Kong every day. While most of them are still edible, they are sent to landfills. However, in the community, there are over a million elderly or grassroots people who do not have enough food to eat. Excessive leftover food leads to wastage and increases the load in landfills. A series of problems caused by food waste have a wide impact on the economy, people’s livelihood, environmental pollution and social development. In view of this, Food Commons Foundation’s Food Sharing Action was officially launched in 2009. It is the first food sharing action in Hong Kong that combines environmental protection and community mutual assistance. With a focus on the community, it connects groups from different districts to establish a resource network that can tackle the problem of food waste. 

The sky is clear after the rain and volunteers continued with their action. During the distribution of bread period, a volunteer discovered a granny sitting near the roadside and gave her the bread on hand. It was unexpected she was so touched that she burst into tears and immediately kept saying thank you. Through collecting and sharing food did we come across the neglected in the community and spread warmth and care to their hearts.  

Accidents will happen. It was unexpected that after a once-in-a-century heavy rainstorm, food collecting and sharing action had to be reluctantly called off in many districts. However, volunteers are still looking forward to the days when we can do everything we can to reduce food waste and deliver food to those in need.  

Today marked the third solar term of autumn, White Dew. It means that mid-autumn has begun. Summer heat gradually diminishes and the temperature difference between day and night becomes large. It is advised to add or remove clothes in a timely manner and pay attention to keeping the belly warm. The air humidity decreases after White Dew and we should take heed to nourish the lungs. When it comes to food, it is advised to mainly eat food that clears heat and moisturizes the body. e.g. cucumbers and winter melons. Taking in more orange and yellow vegetables like pumpkins is also recommended. Seasonal crops change with time. Consuming plants in season gives the benefit of less pesticides when the vegetables are planted and harvested at the best time. The taste is better, too. Also, as it is in season, the production is more while the price is less.