Sacramento’s Fight Against Hunger Starts With What’s Thrown Away

Community leaders and advocates convened Saturday at the Crest Theatre for a panel discussion entitled “Nothing Wasted,” part of the inaugural Terra Madre Americas event. Central to the conversation was the transformative question: “How can Sacramento convert food waste into opportunity?”Tonya Mack, founder and CEO of Universoul Cafe, stresses that the solution begins with people. Her mission revolves around edible food recovery, rescuing surplus food that would typically go to waste and redistributing it to those in need. “I recover food, restore dignity, and create jobs for those affected by hunger,” Mack articulated.Terra Madre, recognized historically in Italy, showcased its first American event facilitated by Slow Food International, featuring tastings, live music, educational panels, and artisan vendors. With food insecurity rates impacting communities—especially Black residents at over 22%—Sacramento faces a critical challenge, per Feeding America.Mack emphasized the urgency of addressing hunger's broader societal implications, advocating advocacy and infrastructure for effective food recovery, and igniting discussions for city-wide community refrigerator initiatives. Attendees brainstormed neighborhood-level solutions, underscoring the necessity of accessible, nutritious food options in Sacramento. (Photo: Roberta Alvarado Sac Observer)