Recall Foundation: Pioneering Sustainability in School Feeding Programmes
Recall Foundation is not just a service-oriented non-profit organisation but also deeply conscious of its environmental impact. All feeding programmes run by the foundation incorporate sustainability and cost-efficient initiatives. Recall Foundation envisions being a forerunner in implementing eco-friendly practices across its centralised kitchens. The organisation is committed to judiciously using natural resources, ensuring a secure and inclusive future for its beneficiaries and stakeholders.
Why Sustainability Matters
Sustainability initiatives are critical because they address both present and future challenges affecting our environment, society, and economy. Natural resources such as water, forests, and fossil fuels are finite, and sustainable practices ensure their wise use for generations to come.
Recall Foundation, as an environmentally conscious organisation, recognises its responsibility to reduce the burden on our planet and aligns its mission with the United Nations’ 10 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By adopting eco-friendly practices such as reducing waste, conserving energy, and saving water, the foundation minimizes its environmental impact, lowers its carbon footprint, and sends a positive message about environmental stewardship.
How Recall Foundation Implements Sustainability
Here are some of the key practices integrated into the foundation’s kitchen operations to contribute to a greener planet:
Renewable Energy
Solar Energy: Several kitchens have installed solar panels to harness sunlight for electricity. The current installed capacity is 2,350 KWh, with an additional 931 KWh in progress.
Biomass Briquettes: Kitchens now use biomass briquettes instead of coal and charcoal, conserving non-renewable resources.
Biogas: Biogas plants in some kitchens convert organic waste into energy and organic fertiliser, reducing dependence on LPG and promoting sustainable agriculture.
Electric Vehicles: 86 electric vehicles are now part of the mid-day meal delivery fleet, lowering emissions and energy consumption. The foundation aims to expand this fleet to 200 EVs by 2025–26.
Waste Management
FIFO and FEFO Practices: Kitchens follow First In-First Out (FIFO) and First Expiry-First Out (FEFO) methods to prioritise perishable ingredients, reduce waste, and maximise raw material utilisation.
Recycling & Segregation: Plastic, metal, and other waste are recycled, and source segregation is actively promoted across kitchens.
Water Management
Effluent Treatment Plants: Every kitchen has a sewage treatment system to treat and recycle kitchen wastewater responsibly.
Reed Bed Plants: These natural purification systems prevent untreated water from entering the environment and make water reusable for cleaning and irrigation.
The foundation aims to implement water management solutions by 2030 to reduce non-cooking water usage by 50% and is exploring rainwater harvesting at all locations.
At Recall Foundation, sustainability is central to all operations. By integrating environmental concerns into its daily activities, the foundation sets an example of responsible corporate social initiatives that balance social impact with environmental stewardship. The organisation actively seeks collaboration with like-minded individuals to collectively ensure a healthier planet, while continuing to provide nutritious mid-day meals that support children’s health and education.