Podcast

Script written for 2019 Influence & Impact in Public Relations assignment.

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Episode 98: Crave with Charlotte Mei - What is a food bank? How does it help in food waste reduction?

Host: Welcome back listeners! Right now we are about to delve into the concept of food banks. Many of us are still not familiar with the idea of food banks and how they are managed and what are the actual thought process that goes through this particular industry. Today, we have Samantha Chia with us here at the station. She is an active volunteer, who has worked with a food bank previously and she would give us some insights on this particular concept. Hi Samantha, thank you for coming here today!

Samantha: Yes, hi, thank you for having me.

Host: So tell us more about the food bank industry.

Samantha: So I was fresh out of poly. And I stumbled upon the opportunity to participate in a food drive a couple years back and that’s how I first learned about food bank. It was pretty eye-opening experience for me because I, like many others, had no idea what exactly a food bank is supposed to be. And back then, food bank was not a thing here in Singapore. Basically, what they do is they act as a collection and distribution point for food excess to be redistributed out to the needy and various organisations that need them. Because at the end of the day, their end goal is to reduce food wastage that is actually becoming a huge issue in Singapore.

Host: I see. So tell us more about this food wastage issue? How does food banks actually impact on its reduction?

Samantha: I believe they play a crucial part to minimising the food wastage. As I have been involved in one of their drives, I can tell you that we may be a small country but the percentage at how food is wasted here is actually pretty huge. But thanks to food banks, some of these food excess are being donated instead of being thrown out.

Host: So how do you think this has impacted you?

Samantha: It really has taught me to be more aware of things that matter. The thing that has left the most impact on me would be the sense of satisfaction that comes with volunteering to help the needy. I feel happy knowing that they’re happy when they receive the food. On the other hand, you also indirectly help the environment by minimising the food wastage. So you are kind of killing two birds with one stone. Frankly, I’d say that small opportunity that I got to participate in the food drive is the reason why I continue to be an active volunteer today.

Host: Alright then, thank you Samantha for your time today.

Samantha: Yes. Thank you again for having me.