Unlocking Fresh Solutions: How SariSuki is Combatting Food Insecurity Through Unique Partnerships – TNGlobal

The Philippines is facing a serious food crisis. High costs, limited access, and a struggling supply chain mean many people can’t get enough food. According to a recent United Nations report, over 50 million Filipinos were food insecure in 2022. Additionally, in 2020, 75 million couldn’t afford a healthy diet. One company, SariSuki, is stepping up to help solve these issues.

SariSuki, an online grocery store, started just two years ago with support from the Ayala Corporation. The company cuts out middlemen, allowing consumers to buy fresh produce directly from local farmers. This means quality food at lower prices, helping families access affordable meals.

Geography can make food distribution tricky in the Philippines, which is made up of many islands. SariSuki uses online platforms to connect buyers and sellers, and it has seen impressive growth with 120,000 active customers and partnerships with nearly 500 hotels and restaurants.

Interestingly, SariSuki was founded during the pandemic when food security became a major concern. One of the founders, Kate Legaspi-Cu, began by selling fruits and veggies to her community. She discovered a way to order bulk produce from farmers, which led to discounts and ultimately the idea for SariSuki. She partnered with her husband, Brian Cu, who has a background in tech and logistics, to launch this innovative grocery platform.

Brian outlined three main goals for SariSuki: make fresh food easily accessible, reduce supply chain waste, and improve inventory management. The aim was clear: ensure food reaches those who need it most, without spoiling.

Kickstart Ventures recognized SariSuki’s potential and invested in the company to help tackle food access issues. Their partnership with ACEN, Ayala’s energy company, focuses on utilizing unused land for small-scale farming, benefiting local communities. With SariSuki’s guidance, these farms use modern techniques to increase crop production.

Farmers have received training in entrepreneurship, financial skills, and farming practices. Over four training modules have been completed, with participants rating the sessions highly. This effort not only boosts food production but also strengthens the skills of local agricultural workers.

For example, a 6,000-square-meter farm at ACEN’s North Luzon Renewables project has created significant yields. They harvest tomatoes and Japanese cucumbers, showing that sustainable practices can lead to successful outcomes.

SariSuki’s leadership understands that they must carefully choose which challenges to tackle next. Co-founder Bam Mejia stated that each new project must make a direct impact, be scalable, and fit the company resources. This focus helps SariSuki maximize its efforts to benefit farmers and consumers alike.

Partnerships have proven essential in addressing the challenges of food insecurity. By collaborating with other organizations, SariSuki can enhance its impact and sustainability, empowering local communities while making nutritious food more accessible.