Scholars of Sustenance hits 100 million meals rescued

Scholars of Sustenance Foundation has launched a month-long campaign after surpassing 100 million meals rescued and redistributed across Thailand, Indonesia and the Philippines. The milestone will be marked at a Bangkok summit and awards event after diplomatic climate meetings in New York highlighted the group’s food-rescue model and its methane-cutting climate impact.

Why it matters: - Scholars of Sustenance Foundation says it has rescued and redistributed 100 million meals of surplus food to vulnerable communities across Thailand, Indonesia and the Philippines. - The milestone connects food security and climate action by diverting edible food from dumpsites, where decomposing waste generates methane. - The foundation’s model also turns surplus food into meals for families, children and older adults who face malnutrition.

What happened: - Scholars of Sustenance launched a month-long celebration on Oct. 4, 2026, after reaching the 100 million meal mark. - Founder and CEO Bo H. Holmgreen marked the campaign launch after speaking at a Sept. 17 diplomatic climate forum in New York titled “Reducing food loss and waste: policy, innovation and partnerships.” - The forum was co-hosted by the Embassy of Denmark and the Danish Agriculture & Food Council, with Food Nation serving as branding partner. - Holmgreen also participated in UN Climate Week in New York and joined a Danish Consulate reception focused on climate resilience and food security.

The details: - Scholars of Sustenance rescues unserved surplus food from hotels, retailers, food producers, commercial kitchens and farms. - The foundation distributes meals made from proteins, fresh produce and balanced nutrients. - The organization operates across Thailand, Indonesia and the Philippines. - The campaign is built around the foundation’s “10-8-1” principle: the world produces enough food for 10 billion people, global population is 8 billion, and nearly 1 billion people still go hungry. - Bo H. Holmgreen said the 100 million meal milestone represents both methane prevented and nutrient-dense meals delivered. - Turid Z. Kaehny, co-founder of Scholars of Sustenance Foundation, said the result was driven by staff, volunteers and food donors. - The foundation says its donor network includes hotels, retailers and agricultural partners. - Scholars of Sustenance will spotlight partner achievements, environmental data and community stories throughout October. - The campaign website is Scholars of Sustenance.

Between the lines: - The organization is using the milestone to frame food rescue as a practical climate solution, not just a charity program. - New York’s diplomatic and climate-week settings gave the campaign international visibility and linked it to policy conversations. - The focus on redistribution underscores a larger argument from the group: hunger is a logistics and distribution failure, not a food production shortage.

What's next: - The celebration will culminate in Bangkok at the Thailand Scholars of Sustenance Zero Summit and the annual Scholars of Sustenance Awards. - The summit will bring together government officials, food donors, community groups and academics to discuss food waste reduction and better nutrition. - The awards will recognize corporate donors, volunteers and community partners tied to the 100 million meal milestone. - Scholars of Sustenance says the Bangkok events will extend the momentum from the New York climate meetings into regional action.