In September in Hong Kong, the skies are frequently clouded with uncertainty.  Successive typhoons and torrential rains hampered our recycling operations.  However, this did not prevent the volunteers of the "Food Commons Foundation"—as soon as the weather improved significantly, and under the pretence of guaranteeing safety, they quickly went into action, racing against the clock to collect bread and bring this hard-earned warmth to people in need in the community!  We are appreciative for the volunteers' dedication and contributions despite the difficult circumstances.  We warmly invite you to sign up as a volunteer.  Your help will make it even easier to get these saved foods to people in need!

The fight against food waste in Hong Kong: A sustainable urban plan that turns kitchen leftovers into complete meals

mpweekly 6-Sep 2025

Food has a precarious existence from the time it is produced until it is consumed.  Numerous variables contribute to the rejection and disposal of ingredients across the food supply chain.  Food waste can be caused by a variety of factors, such as cosmetic flaws, products that are getting close to expiration and cannot be sold quickly enough, industry overproduction, or consumers' finicky tastes.  These wastes are divided into two categories based on the method or state: "kitchen waste" and "leftovers." 

Today marks Cold Dew, the 17th solar term of the 24 solar terms and the fifth solar term of autumn. As the proverb goes, "Cold Dew brings a startling autumn, while in the morning the chrysanthemums gradually turn yellow." During this time, the dew condenses into a chill, and the autumnal atmosphere deepens. It's advisable to moisten the lungs, promote fluid production, and nourish yin to prevent dryness.

Happy Mid-Autumn Festival! Thank you to all our parents, philanthropists, social enterprise partners, and volunteers for your generous donations and enthusiastic participation. This has enabled "Food Commons @ Shatin"* and "Food Commons @ Community"^ to deliver mooncakes and festive treats to families in need ahead of the festival, allowing us to celebrate a green and heartwarming Mid-Autumn Festival. Your kind gestures convey more than just food; they also convey blessings and hope.

If you have too many mooncakes or other festive foods at home and are worried that they won’t be enjoyed before their best-before dates, you might consider donating them so that more people can enjoy the festive season and cherish food.

26 Sept 2025

As night comes on Hong Kong's streets, a group of volunteers stealthily crisscrosses the city, Kowloon, and the New Territories, collecting leftover bread and lunch boxes from shops and distributing them to the homeless, scavengers, and low-income residents.  However, with little money and a volunteer scarcity, the campaign confronts difficulties.  Some groups are urging the government to formalise the Food Wise Campaign and encourage cross-departmental collaboration and community involvement.

Our autumn seminar at the Sha Tin Lek Yuen Community Hall on September 20th ended successfully in a warm and pleasant atmosphere!

It is an honour to learn the wisdom of "save food" with so many neighbours. The weather was unstable, but still many people attended! Thank you very much for your attendance and support. Your eyes and enthusiastic questions gave us a lot of motivation!