Scholars of Sustenance PH (SOS PH), a non-profit organization dedicated to rescuing good quality surplus food to provide nutritious meals to vulnerable communities, has partnered with Allianz PNB Life (AZPNBL) to promote food security and sustainability in the Philippines. This partnership aims to address the persistent issues of hunger and food waste.

The collaboration is a response to one of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals: to end hunger, achieve food security, improve nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture. In the Philippines, millions of children face hunger due to poverty and lack of access to food. At the same time, food waste contributes to environmental problems, as decomposing food in landfills releases carbon dioxide, exacerbating the climate crisis.

The “KaGat” Initiative

Central to this partnership is AZPNBL’s donation of a food truck named “KaGat” (Filipino for “bite”). This truck plays a pivotal role in SOS PH’s operations, collecting surplus food from restaurants and hotels and distributing meals to communities in need. The name “KaGat” symbolizes the company’s dedication to making a substantial impact on food waste and hunger.

In 2023, AZPNBL employees actively participated in food drives and kitchen immersions, benefiting 1,500 individuals, including children in conflict with the law and their families. This year, the company continues to support the SOS PH Food Rescue Program, engaging in two food rescue and food drive activities, and participating in the Zero Summit Philippines. This summit brings together leaders from various sectors to advocate for a future with zero food waste and zero hunger.

Significant Impact

The partnership between AZPNBL and SOS PH has already yielded impressive results. The Allianz-sponsored truck, KaGat, has helped SOS PH rescue 286 tons of food, preventing 779 tons of CO2 emissions. Over 1.2 million meals have been served to more than 60 community partners, significantly aiding food-insecure communities.

“This collaboration has enabled us to rescue surplus food efficiently, ensuring it doesn’t end up in landfills where it could cause significant environmental harm,” says Arthur Winston Bitagcol, SOS Global Director of Operations. “This partnership is not only fighting hunger but also promoting sustainability and reducing our environmental footprint… Having a reputable name like Allianz associated with us serves as a ‘stamp of quality’ for our work and organization as a whole,” he added.

A Commitment to a Sustainable Future

Gino Riola, AZPNBL Chief Marketing and Sustainability Officer, expresses pride in supporting this endeavor: “We are proud to support this endeavor to end hunger among our vulnerable sectors and offer more access to good nutrition in our communities. With our mission to secure the future of the Filipino, we are tasked to do our part in ensuring more equitable access to food. Through the ‘KaGat’ food truck, we can take a bite out of hunger and replace it with hope.”

Looking ahead, SOS PH plans to expand its initiatives with the Healthy School Meals Program, providing nutritious meals to students, and the Rescue Farm Program, aimed at reducing agricultural waste and supporting farmers.

Allianz PNB Life, Inc. (AZPNBL) is a joint venture between Allianz Group and the Philippine National Bank (PNB).

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