5

Food Rescue Association (GKTD)

Known for its dedication and innovative approach to tackling food waste and hunger in Turkey.
Food Rescue Association (GKTD)
Leadership team

Berat Pearl (Board of Directors)

Hasan Arda Eren (Member)

Olcay Armed  (Member)

Elif Ayse Sabuncu  (Member)

Kübra Inci (Member)

Headquarters
Istanbul, Turkey
Region served
Turkey
Year stablished
2015
Address
Ink?lap Mah. Yildirim Cad. No: 40/A Umraniye/?STANBUL
Social Media
Summary

Food Rescue Association (Gida Kurtarma Dernegi) is a non-profit organization founded by a group of young people who believe in the possibility of a just and sustainable world. The organization's focus is on food and it believes that the fair distribution of food on Earth is essential for achieving sustainable living. Food Rescue Association aims to tackle the challenges of fair access to food, the imbalance between production and consumption, and the social-economic-environmental effects of food losses in the chain of access, production, and consumption.

The organization advocates for the prevention of food waste and raises awareness about the issue to the public, NGO, and private sector stakeholders. Its mission is to provide practical solutions to the problems caused by food waste and advocate for legal regulations to reduce food waste by 50% outside and inside the home in Turkey by 2030.

The Food Rescue Association's vision is to contribute to the realization of the United Nations 2030 Global Goals for Sustainable Development. By rescuing surplus food, the organization directly contributes to achieving the UN's Global Goals for Sustainable Development, including "Climate Action," "End Poverty," "End Hunger," and "Responsible Production and Consumption."

History

Food Rescue Association (GKTD) is a non-profit organization founded by a group of young people who believe in the possibility of a just and sustainable world. The organization was established in Turkey in 2015, inspired by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

GKTD's founding members believed that food waste was one of the biggest problems facing the world, and that the fair distribution of food was essential for achieving sustainable living. They set out to address these issues and create a more equitable food system by rescuing surplus food and redistributing it to those in need.

Since its establishment, GKTD (Gida Kurtarma Dernegi) has been taking steps towards realizing its mission for the society and the universe. The organization has focused on the issue of food waste and its impact on society, the economy, and the environment.

GKTD aims to tackle the challenges of fair access to food, the imbalance between production and consumption, and the social-economic-environmental effects of food losses in the chain of access, production, and consumption. The organization advocates for the prevention of food waste and raises awareness about the issue to the public, NGO, and private sector stakeholders.

Over the years, GKTD (Gida Kurtarma Dernegi) has gained the support of hundreds of institutions and individuals in the national and global struggle against hunger and poverty. The organization has distributed surplus food aid to millions of people and saved thousands of tons of food and natural resources.

GKTD's 2030 vision is to reduce food waste by 50% outside and inside the home in Turkey by 2030. The organization aims to provide practical solutions to the problems caused by food waste, raise awareness about the issue in society and the private sector, and advocate for the solution of the problem in terms of legal regulations within the scope of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.

As a non-profit organization, GKTD relies on the support of volunteers and donors. The organization provides opportunities for people to volunteer and get involved in the Food Rescue Movement, which aims to reduce food waste and create a more equitable food system.

In conclusion, Food Rescue Association is an organization founded by young idealistic people who believe in the possibility of a just and sustainable world. The organization focuses on the issue of food waste and aims to create a more equitable food system by rescuing surplus food and redistributing it to those in need. GKTD's mission is to provide practical solutions to the problems caused by food waste, raise awareness about the issue in society and the private sector, and advocate for legal regulations to reduce food waste by 50% outside and inside the home in Turkey by 2030.

Goals and Purpose

The Food Rescue Association (Gida Kurtarma Dernegi) is a non-profit organization with a mission to reduce food waste and alleviate hunger. The organization's goals and purpose are:

  • To rescue surplus food: The Food Rescue Association aims to prevent food waste by rescuing surplus food from various sources, such as supermarkets, restaurants, and catering companies. This food is then distributed to people in need, including homeless shelters, food banks, and other community organizations.
  • To reduce food waste: By rescuing surplus food, the Food Rescue Association aims to reduce food waste and its impact on the environment. Food waste contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and other environmental problems, so by reducing food waste, the organization is helping to mitigate these issues.
  • To alleviate hunger: The Food Rescue Association's primary goal is to ensure that everyone has access to nutritious food. By rescuing surplus food and distributing it to people in need, the organization is helping to alleviate hunger and food insecurity.
  • To raise awareness: The Food Rescue Association aims to raise awareness about the issue of food waste and its impact on the environment and society. The organization believes that education is key to creating lasting change and is committed to educating the public about the importance of reducing food waste and ensuring that everyone has access to nutritious food.
  • To collaborate with stakeholders: The Food Rescue Association works closely with a variety of stakeholders, including food producers, retailers, and community organizations, to ensure that surplus food is rescued and distributed in a safe and efficient manner. The organization believes that collaboration is essential to achieving its goals and is committed to working with all stakeholders to create a more sustainable and equitable food system.
Impact

The Food Rescue Association has had a significant impact since its establishment in Turkey. Some of its notable impacts include:

  • Food rescue and distribution: The association has saved and distributed over 35,000 tons of surplus food, which would have otherwise been wasted. This food has been distributed to those in need, including people experiencing food insecurity, refugees, and homeless individuals.
  • Environmental impact: By rescuing surplus food, the association has reduced the amount of waste going to landfills, thus reducing greenhouse gas emissions and contributing to environmental sustainability.
  • Awareness raising: The Food Rescue Association has been instrumental in raising awareness about the issue of food waste in Turkey. Through various campaigns, educational programs, and events, the association has engaged with thousands of people and organizations, spreading the message of responsible consumption and waste reduction.
  • Advocacy: The association has also been involved in advocating for policy changes to reduce food waste in Turkey. It has worked with government officials, policymakers, and industry stakeholders to raise awareness about the issue and promote solutions such as food waste reduction targets and regulations.
  • Community building: The association has built a strong community of volunteers, donors, and partners who share its vision of reducing food waste and fighting hunger. It has also provided opportunities for individuals and organizations to get involved in meaningful ways, such as volunteering, donating, and supporting food rescue initiatives.

Overall, the Food Rescue Association (Gida Kurtarma Dernegi) has made a significant impact in Turkey, promoting responsible consumption, reducing waste, and addressing the issue of food insecurity. Its work has contributed to achieving the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals related to climate action, poverty reduction, and responsible production and consumption.

References
Food Rescue Association (GKTD)
Leadership team

Berat Pearl (Board of Directors)

Hasan Arda Eren (Member)

Olcay Armed  (Member)

Elif Ayse Sabuncu  (Member)

Kübra Inci (Member)

Headquarters
Istanbul, Turkey
Region served
Turkey
Year stablished
2015
Address
Ink?lap Mah. Yildirim Cad. No: 40/A Umraniye/?STANBUL
Social Media