• THERESA MAE DULMAN
Unsold but still edible produce from public markets in Bacolod will be redirected to communities through a joint food rescue initiative between the city government and the youth-led group Sagup Negros.
City administrator, Atty. Mark Steven Mayo, said Aug. 17 that collected goods are documented and turned over to Sagup Negros, which uses the foodstuffs to stock up community pantries.
The initial rollout at Libertad Public Market Aug. 15 collected nearly 170 kilograms of assorted surplus vegetables, and benefited 44 families, Sagup Negros said.
“They have wanted to have this kind of program for a long time because they probably want to donate (or) to give back. So, what happened was (during) our pilot program at Libertad market, we set up a corner where they (vendors) can place their products,” Mayo said.
He added that fresh goods, including trays of egg and fresh produce, were also donated by Libertad vendors.
Mayo also confirmed plans to expand the food rescue consolidation hub model to Central and Burgos markets.
Formed in March 2022, Sagup Negros operates to address market waste generation and food insecurity by integrating surplus collection into local market operations. | TMD
