Melting Pot is an innovative social initiative that addresses two pressing urban challenges: food waste and social isolation. Our mission is to create a more sustainable and connected community in Zürich through shared meals and mindful consumption.
The Issues
Food Waste
Our daily meals significantly contribute to excessive emissions, with food waste being a major contributor. In Switzerland, 60% of food waste is attributed to households, supermarkets and catering.
Social Isolation
Additionally, loneliness is increasingly prevalent, affecting one-third of people in Switzerland. With Zürich's diverse population, there are unique opportunities for cultural exchange and connection.
Our Solution
Food culture has the power to address both of these issues at the same time. That is why Melting Pot brings people together over communal meals that utilise surplus food from households, supermarkets, and restaurants. As well as preventing food waste, Melting Pot also aims to rekindle a sense of togetherness between people – an important factor in tackling climate and societal challenges. We will offer flexible pricing to ensure inclusivity, allowing everyone to participate regardless of their financial situation.
We are proud to collaborate with the City of Zürich, aligning our efforts with their goals for sustainable nutrition. Thus far, the City of Zürich has mostly addressed food waste through intervening in local businesses. Our goal is to complement this existing strategy by empowering the city residents using delicious meals and social connection. Sustainable nutrition done right is about centering people, tastiness and fun!
”The most vital attribute of food is its placement precisely on the border between the world of nature and the world of culture.”
Waldemar Zarski
Get involved
Melting Pot is more than just a meal; it's a catalyst for positive change. By bringing people together around surplus food, we are cultivating a more sustainable, connected, and vibrant Zürich. We invite you to join us at our next community meal and experience the transformative power of food in enhancing both our environment and our social fabric.
In partnership with the City of Zürich, we are currently planning 3 pilot events with community centers in Zürich.
We would love to update you as soon as we have more to share.
...or drop us a line at hi@melting-pot.food
Partners
Roadmap
November 2024 – Climathon Zürich
How can culture and art inspire for climate action? This question leads to the idea of the Melting Pot during Climathon 2024. Our pitch receives 5k in prize money to make our idea a reality.
Currently
The group is hard at work refining the idea, finding the right partners and planning the pilot events.
In early 2025 – Pilot Events
A series of 3 Melting Pot events will happen inside a community center in Zürich.
Team
Annabel Personeni
Singer, Performer
Stephanie Remke
Environmental Scientist
Anne Jomard
Clinical Nutritionist & Integral Coach
Suwi Narasingamoorthy
Research Analyst in Water Management
Aleksandra Wojtaszek
Project Manager
Tobija Fischer
Designer & Developer