By Katie Lutz

FoodCycle Indonesia is leading the charge in reducing food waste and hunger through an innovative circular food system approach that benefits communities, donors, and the planet through the Food Rescue Warrior program, which consists of two paths, Food Rescue and FoodCycle Farms.

Through the Food Rescue Warrior program, the organization has made significant strides in addressing food insecurity and waste management, proving that sustainability and social responsibility go hand-in-hand.

A Dual Approach: Food Recovery and Urban Farming

The Food Rescue initiative collects and redistributes surplus food from over 35 hotels, restaurants, cafes, bakeries, catering companies, and agriculture product packing houses. Since the start of 2024, more than 60 tonnes  of surplus food have been redistributed to those who need it. This effort has provided over 300,000 meals for around 30,000 people, all while minimizing food waste. Every day, more than 300 kilograms of food are recovered, making a significant impact on reducing hunger and providing nutritious meals to vulnerable populations in Jakarta.

Complementing the initiative is FoodCycle Farms, where innovative waste recycling is introduced. Utilizing technology, the program uses the natural life cycle of black soldier flies to break down organic waste and recycle nutrients. In controlled environments, larvae are harvested before they mature, producing useful by-products like protein for animal feed and insect oil. These by-products support urban farming projects by creating a sustainable model that not only addresses waste but also promotes food production that ultimately supports the food bank. Since the program’s inception, more than 30 tonnes of waste have been recycled.

“Many sustainable waste management companies struggle to manage organic waste in the food industry due to high costs, but FoodCycle Indonesia’s dual benefit model addresses both food security and waste reduction in one streamlined process,” explained Herman Andryanto, co-founder of FoodCycle Indonesia.

While BSF technology is a well-established approach to convert organic materials into usable products or energy sources, FoodCycle Indonesia introduces a unique twist by creating a collaborative ecosystem that integrates food producers, waste generators, and communities. Rather than simply procuring new food, the program transforms waste into new resources to produce fresh produce, closing the loop in the circular food system.

What’s Next for the Food Rescue Warrior Program

Looking ahead, FoodCycle Indonesia has set ambitious targets to recover 200 tonnes of food, recycle 400 tonnes of waste, and serve 1 million meals to 45,000 people facing hunger by 2025. This vision for the future is driven by a commitment to continuous innovation and a desire to make a lasting impact on communities faced with hunger and waste challenges.

With its innovative solutions and collaborative approach, FoodCycle Indonesia is a trailblazer in reducing food loss and waste and eliminating hunger in their community. Through ongoing education, resource sharing, and continuous improvement, it’s a shining example of how circular food systems can bring sustainable change, not just in Indonesia, but across the world.

Last month, FoodCycle Indonesia was awarded the Community Impact Award at the GFN Global Summit 2024 for the Food Rescue Warrior program.

“We were deeply honored to receive the Community Impact Award. Our Food Rescue Warrior program not only tackles food insecurity by rescuing surplus food and reducing organic waste in landfills, but also creates green jobs for underprivileged youth, educates communities on food waste reduction, offers a platform for volunteers to make a positive impact, and supports smallholder farmers through sustainable practices,” said Andryanto.

The Community Impact Award recognizes a GFN member that is working collaboratively across its community to create strong partnerships with local organizations that bring food banking and community services together to build healthier, more resilient communities. These specialized programs go beyond food distribution to provide social service programs and increase equity and opportunities across the community.