Green Talents Moment✨: Meet Amy Lai, Community Organizer (Founder, Duck the Food Saver)

In 2024, Climate Incubator launched a new article series “Green Talents Moment”. We speak with individuals who contribute to sustainability through their work and projects. Our aim is to inspire readers to explore more possibilities for making contributions to sustainability🌏.

—----

This week, we had the pleasure of speaking with Amy LAI , the founder of Duck the Food Saver. As a community organiser, Amy devotes her spare time to recruiting and organising a group of volunteers for food rescue and sharing activities on a weekly basis. Amy is a kind-hearted person who maintains a high level of positivity amidst the challenges of organising the volunteer movement. Let's explore how her courage and determination have led her to initiate this volunteer initiative to reduce food waste and share love with the community!

***

Could you introduce more about "Duck The Food Saver"? What is the mission behind your work?

Duck the Food Saver is a self-initiated volunteer group that focuses on rescuing surplus food for distribution to those in need. I started this initiative with my two partners two years ago when the pandemic hit. We mobilise volunteers to collect surplus food, mainly from small shops like bakeries, in Yuen Long and share it with the needy, including the elderly, cardboard grannies, the homeless, and cleaners. Our mission is to reduce food wastage and show care to the community.

Why is food rescue and sharing important to you?

I have been interested in environmental protection for a long time. The reason is simple: I love nature and want to protect it. When it comes to the issue of food waste, some people may think that dumping surplus food on a daily basis is not a significant problem. However, the amount of wastage is enormous. In just one night, we can collect 200-400 loaves of bread from three bakeries alone. These foods can actually feed many more people. 

By rescuing surplus food and redistributing it, we not only reduce food waste, but also connect people and spread love by sharing the food with them. 

What are some of the challenges you've faced in organising and managing a group of volunteers? How have you overcome them?

The entire food rescue and sharing activity relies on volunteers, so dealing with a fluctuating number of volunteers is a challenge. Sometimes we have to cancel the food collection activity due to a shortage of volunteers. Despite this, I firmly believe that volunteering should be a pleasant experience, so I don't force anyone to join the movement. Everyone can join whenever they have time and are willing to. I keep telling myself we can just do as much as we can. I am open and positive in managing volunteer participation.

Your work is meaningful as it covers not only environmental aspects but also social connections. Can you talk more about it?

When I started the program, my main purpose was to reduce surplus food, but it unexpectedly formed many community connections. Some shop owners were really supportive, trusting us from the very beginning of this volunteer movement by handing over their surplus bread to us for sharing with the community. I have also witnessed the power of community networks. People in the neighbourhood spread the word about the food sharing, attracting around 40 people each time to receive the bread.

There was a time when we encountered a homeless person with a foot ulcer. Despite the severity of her condition, she refused to see a doctor. We followed up on her situation for 2 to 3 months during our volunteer activities. One day, one of our volunteers spent an entire day chatting with her and successfully persuaded her to seek medical treatment. When we met her again, her leg condition had improved gradually. We were all delighted to see the positive changes in her and the small impact we had made.

Are there any future goals or plans you have for Duck the Food Saver?

I have a goal of creating more community connections. Communication and trust are crucial in recognizing people's contributions and making them feel that their time is worthwhile in joining the movement. I believe that there is a strong relationship between environmental protection and human connections. It is easier to influence someone's perception towards environmental protection if you have built a connection with them. Additionally, we need more people to participate in protecting the environment.

How do you see the role of a community organiser in contributing to environmental sustainability?

As a community organiser, our role is to motivate people to care about environmental issues and humanity. We bring individuals together, mobilise resources, and create initiatives that foster environmental sustainability.

What advice would you give to individuals who want to start a movement like yours?

Just do it! Ask yourself: Do you really want to do it? If the answer is yes, then go for it. Rejection can be painful, but don't let it discourage you. It's important to be authentic when conveying your purpose to others. Even if you face refusal, try not to take it too personally. There could be various reasons beyond your control. Your goal is to find people who share similar visions. I firmly believe that there are many kind-hearted individuals willing to help, so you still have plenty of opportunities to succeed.

—---

Thank you, Amy, for sharing your journey! There are multiple ways to contribute to environmental protection. Whether through full-time work, part-time commitments, or volunteering in your spare time, every little effort can make a significant impact on the transition toward a sustainable community.

Did you find this article insightful? Please share your thoughts with us in the comments section below👇. Don't forget to subscribe to our e-newsletter 👀 to stay updated on our activities and initiatives.

****

Written by: Jessica Wong