Mexican restaurant franchise Zambrero has announced it has donated over 15 million meals to those facing food scarcity through its Plate 4 Plate initiative. 

Zambrero founder, philanthropist and medical doctor, Dr Sam Prince, said: “Plate 4 Plate was built into the core of our business to ensure we are giving back and making the world a better place.

“15 million meals is an incredible milestone and just one stepping stone in our goal to donate a billion meals by 2025.”

For every burrito or bowl purchased at a Zambrero restaurant, a meal is donated to someone in need. The meal is made from rice, lentils and soy and invigorated with 23 essential vitamins and nutrients. Communities receive these packs and then use what local ingredients are available to make meals, primarily via school feeding programs.

With research by the Food and Agriculture Organisation revealing 792.5 million people in the world don’t get the food they need to live a healthy life, Zambrero works closely with hunger relief agencies to effectively distribute the food to over 74 countries, including Australia. Rise Against Hunger distributes the food globally whilst Foodbank Australia distributes meals locally.

Foodbank Australia CEO Brianna Casey said, “Our most recent Hunger Report highlighted malnutrition and hunger is a growing issue in our country. One in six Australians face food scarcity, so the dedication of companies like Zambrero goes a long way in fighting hunger in our own backyard.”

“By building philanthropic initiatives into their goals, local businesses can change the lives of many everyday Australians experiencing hardship. Together, we can help get these people back on their feet.”

Zambrero CEO Karim Messih said, “Access to life-sustaining food is a human right so we are so grateful that thousands of customers, employees and communities across Australia and the globe have helped us tackle this issue head on.

“For Zambrero the future means ending world hunger. Anyone can make a contribution simply by enjoying our modern healthy and fresh take on Mexican food as well as our unique and quick service style.”

The Mexican chain reached 150 franchises in late 2016, and has no plans of slowing down.

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