Okada Manila, the Philippines’ leading Forbes 5-Star integrated resort, marked World Hunger Day on 28 May by donating 20,000 nourishing meals to underserved communities across Metro Manila.

In collaboration with Scholars of Sustenance (SoS) Philippines, which focuses on achieving zero hunger and zero food waste by 2030, the meals were shared with Project Pearls Tondo, Hospicio de San Jose, Rivaras Community Pantry, Betterworld Tondo, CM Most Holy Trinity, Barangay Sto. Niño in Parañaque City, BJMP San Mateo Rizal (Male and Female Dorms), Pangarap Foundation, Phase 7 South Fairway (San Pedro, Laguna), Project Marikeños and WeCarePH in Marikina.

“Food should never go to waste — especially when hunger is among the world’s pressing problems,” said Josef Teuschler, culinary director of Okada Manila. “Through this program, we’ve integrated surplus food donation into our daily operations, reducing waste while supporting communities that need it most. It’s a practical, high-impact way to live out our ESG values.”

Okada Manila pioneered large-scale food rescue in the country a year ago by recovering safe, surplus food from its Medley Buffet and banquet operations and redirecting it to families in need. The effort has generated significant impact over the past year. Aside from serving 20,000 meals to communities, the resort rescued and donated 5,000 kilos of food benefiting 12 communities and reducing the equivalent carbon emissions of 12,000 kilos.

The initiative is part of the Waste Management pillar of the Okada Green Heart program, which drives environmentally responsible practices across the resort’s operations. It also contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically SDG 2: Zero Hunger and SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production.

Okada Manila also supported the SOS Zero Summit 2025, serving as a resource speaker for “Surplus Food as a Force for Social and Environmental Good.”

“Okada Manila’s strong commitment has helped us reach more communities and expand our food rescue impact,” said Rachel Luna, country general manager of SOS Philippines. “It’s a meaningful partnership built on shared values.”

Through consistent action and collaboration, Okada Manila is working to ensure that good food finds its way to those who need it most — one meal at a time.