Universal Plate: A global campaign to share meals with people in need and advocate for the right to food for all.
Zurich, Switzerland — October 1, 2024 — The Social Gastronomy Movement (SGM) proudly announces the launch of its annual Universal Plate campaign. From October 13th to 19th, 2024, this global initiative will mobilize people across more than 70 countries to cook and share nutritious, locally sourced meals to those in need, amplifying the call for food justice and systemic transformation.
Led by social entrepreneurs, chefs, and activists who use food to co-create social change and act in solidarity against rising hunger, the campaign aims to mobilize people in over 70 countries to cook and serve local, nutritionally balanced meals to those in need between October 13th and 19th, 2024.
In 2023, the Universal Plate campaign saw remarkable success, with over 2 million meals shared globally in just one week. Additionally, more than 18,510 kilograms of food were rescued from potential waste during the preparation and distributing of these meals. This year, SGM aims to surpass these numbers as the campaign once again unites individuals, social organizations, restaurants, universities, and volunteers to take action in their local communities.
Key Features of Universal Plate 2024:
Meals will be made with locally sourced ingredients, supporting local farmers and food producers.
They will be nutritionally balanced, ensuring that those served receive healthy meals.
Meals will be provided free of charge to those in need.
Participants are encouraged to document and share their experiences on social media using the hashtag #UniversalPlate, fostering global solidarity through food.
Countries with confirmed participation include Albania, Bali, Brazil, Colombia, Switzerland, Ghana, Turkey, the Philippines, Mexico, the United States, Zambia, and more.
The Universal Plate campaign is a powerful reminder that through collective action, we can transform food systems, reduce waste, and ensure that everyone has access to nutritious meals. Together, we can bring attention to the growing issue of global hunger, which affects an estimated 733 million people worldwide, and advocate for a world where the right to food is realized for all.
For more information on how to get involved in the campaign or organize a local meal, visit www.socialgastronomy.org or follow us on social media.
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ABOUT SGM
The Social Gastronomy Movement (SGM) is a global network of over 300 chefs, grassroots organizations, farmers, academics, activists, and social entrepreneurs who use the power of food for social change. As a network, we foster our individual and collective capacity toward food systems transformation. SGM has a global base of members mapped in more than 70 countries across five continents. Corporate partners include Griffith Foods, Cargill Foundation, and The World’s 50 Best Restaurants. Founded in 2017, SGM has been featured at global events, including the World Economic Forum, SXSW, and TED.
For more information and media support, please contact:
Media Contact:
Nsungwe Mulendema
Communications Lead,
communications@socialgastronomy.org
