Boroume
Since it was founded in 2012, Boroume (“We Can”) has revolutionised Greece’s approach to food waste and food insecurity through initiatives that save food at every stage of the food chain and build bridges between donors and charities.
To date, Boroume has saved and donated more than 80 million food portions, with benefits spanning social, economic and environmental spheres. Every portion of saved and donated food prevents 1.47 kg of CO2 emissions into the atmosphere. This totals over 1 million kg of CO2, equivalent to more than 18,000 car trips from Athens to Thessaloniki or the positive impact of nearly 6,000 adult trees.
Boroume holds the distinction of being THI Australia’s first and longest supported Greek partner charity. Since 2017, THI Australia has supported the vibrant Boroume at the Farmers’ Market Program, a dynamic, innovative and impactful food saving initiative which unites farmers, volunteers and charities in the fight against food waste and food insecurity.
Boroume at the Farmers’ Market Program aims to reduce the food waste generated at the farmers’ markets by coordinating teams of volunteers to collect fresh produce that would otherwise go to waste. The collected food is then donated directly to local charities, soup kitchens, shelters, aged care facilities, municipal services, and other organisations that assist individuals in meeting their basic food needs.
The program is implemented with the help of volunteers, including more than 175 Australians who have volunteered at farmers’ markets under THI Australia’s Volunteering Program launched in 2017.
Since it began in October 2015, the Boroume Farmers’ Market Program has saved 1,042,034 kilos of fresh produce from 30 local farmers’ markets in Athens and Thessaloniki and donated it to 90 charities.
Boroume volunteer teams currently collect from 30 markets in Athens and Thessaloniki.
Recipient Story: The Parish of St Sophia Soup Kitchen
