Ali: A Guiding Force in the Battle Against Food Waste

Refettorio, part of the Food for Soul project, is not just a community kitchen. It is an embodiment of social inclusion and sustainability, transforming surplus food into nourishing meals, while offering a welcoming environment that fosters connection and community. In today's installment of the "Food Saved Me" series, we introduce you to Ali, the Chief Executive at Refettorio Felix, whose inspiring story underscores the power of food to make a meaningful impact.

Meet Ali

A man driven by the urge to make a positive difference in the lives of others, Ali found his calling at Refettorio. In his own words, the Refettorio has given him what he calls “a rare opportunity” to directly affect people's lives. But who is Ali, and why is his role at Refettorio so important?

A Visionary Leader with a Passion for Change

Ali's journey at Refettorio Felix is filled with purpose and inspiration. He realized the potential of food surplus to become a solution for many of the problems plaguing our society. "I’ve always sought to find a role that allows me to have a positive impact on people’s problems, the Refettorio allows me to do that more directly," Ali says.

Food as a Building Block

Ali's philosophy is grounded in the belief that food is not merely a necessity but a means to elevate our abilities, confidence, and self-esteem. He explains, "Lots of people come here in a poor physical state, and the food improves that, then giving us a building block for our nurse or therapist to further that. Food is so much more than something that keeps us alive."

A Two-Fold Mission

Refettorio's mission, as Ali describes, is two-fold: combating food poverty and utilizing food that would otherwise go to waste. "If we had more resources of volunteers and transport, we could collect and use so much more," Ali emphasizes, calling for greater collaboration with supermarkets and restaurants to ensure food collection while it's still usable.

Grundig and Food for Soul

As a proud official partner of Food for Soul, we at Grundig are thrilled to introduce you to visionary individuals like Ali. His story, his dedication, and his innovative approach to food waste are a testament to the incredible potential of Refettorio and similar initiatives.

Ali's "Food Saved Me" story is one of many that illustrate the transformative power of food and community. Stay with us as we continue to bring you more inspiring stories from our partner Refettorios, all striving to make a real difference in the world.