Network Fresh

One-third of food produced for human consumption is lost or wasted globally, which amounts to about 1.3 billion metric tonnes worth US $680 billion per year.

Meanwhile, nearly one in three people in the world —  2.37 billion — are moderately or severely food insecure. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused global disruptions in food systems, increasing the amount of food loss and waste throughout the supply chain, from initial agricultural production to final household consumption.

If we could reverse current food waste trends, we could save enough food to feed communities facing hunger and malnutrition.‏‏‎ ‎

Network Fresh's (Aş Ortağım in Turkey) mission is to reduce food waste and loss and improve access to nutritious food for vulnerable communities in Turkey. 

Network Fresh operates food trucks connecting foodservice businesses that have surplus food with households, local public food banks, and soup kitchens, redistributing quality food to those in need. The project offers a mobile application that introduces food recovery options, making food more accessible, affordable, and available for people facing hunger and malnutrition.

Throughout the WFP Sprint Programme, Network Fresh is closely working with the mobile application "Fazla Gida" and the Şişli Municipality in Istanbul to redirect food that would otherwise go to waste to vulnerable households.

After a successful launch in September 2021, Network Fresh is set to expand its reach throughout the region and plans to recruit 90 food businesses to its network, saving 7,800 meals per month.