In a powerful effort to combat hunger and reduce food waste, Diferente, a startup dedicated to delivering organic food that would otherwise be discarded due to appearance, and Associação Prato Cheio, an NGO focused on identifying wasted food in the Municipal Market of São Paulo, have come together in a cooperation agreement.

The partnership between Diferente and Prato Cheio has proven to be a perfect match, as both organizations share similar values and a common goal to make a positive impact on food insecurity. Nuria Chaim, Manager of Associação Prato Cheio, expressed her enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, “Since the beginning of the contacts, we have identified in Diferente an ideal partner, since both have similar values. This contribution has been essential for us to continue expanding the service this year, as it gives us the assurance that we will have the necessary inputs to act.”

In just around eight months of working together, the combined efforts of Diferente and Prato Cheio have resulted in the distribution of an impressive 83,400 meals. Through the partnership, Diferente has donated over 16 tons of organic products to be delivered to 52 entities, benefiting around 28,000 people in São Paulo who are served by the NGO.

The impact of this initiative goes beyond reducing food waste. Eduardo Petrelli, CEO, and co-founder of Diferente, highlighted the positive effects on vulnerable communities, stating, “Thanks to the initiative, we were able not only to virtually eliminate all waste but also to promote access to adequate food for people in situations of vulnerability and social risk.”

By rescuing and redistributing organic food that may have otherwise been discarded due to its appearance, Diferente and Prato Cheio are making significant strides in addressing food insecurity in São Paulo. This meaningful collaboration serves as a beacon of hope, showcasing how innovative approaches in the food technology industry can contribute to social and environmental change.