Mac Florendo: The Father of Food Rescue in the Philippines

In a nation where millions go hungry while tons of edible food are discarded daily, one man has transformed compassion into action. Mac Edsel Florendo, a magician turned environmental advocate, is widely recognized as the Father of Food Rescue in the Philippines. Through his pioneering work with Food Rescue Philippines and Scholars of Sustenance (SOS) Philippines, Mac has redefined how communities view food waste and hunger.

From Magic to Mission

Mac’s journey began not with policy or funding, but with a bicycle and a bold idea. In 2015, while attending the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) in the U.S., he encountered Boulder Food Rescue, a group using bicycles to collect surplus food and deliver it to those in need. Inspired, Mac returned home and founded Food Rescue Philippines (originally Food Rescue ASEAN) in Dumaguete City.

Armed with a bike and a vision, he began collecting unsold yet edible food from markets and eateries, redistributing it to shelters and low-income families.

By 2017, Food Rescue Philippines was honored as one of the Ten Accomplished Youth Organizations (TAYO) and received the “Better World” Award from San Miguel Corporation. He was later named Youth Champion for SDG 2: Zero Hunger under The 2030 Project, aligning his mission with global goals to end hunger.

Scaling Impact with SOS Philippines

In 2023, Mac joined Scholars of Sustenance (SOS) Philippines as Food Rescue Supervisor. Under his leadership, SOS rescued over 1.1 million kilograms of surplus food, equivalent to more than 4.7 million meals, and significantly reduced greenhouse gas emissions by diverting food waste from landfills.

Through the Rescue Kitchen Program, edible food is transformed into hot meals and distributed to underserved communities, proving that food rescue is not just about saving food—it's about saving lives.

A Legacy of Leadership

Mac’s efforts have gained national and international attention. In 2023, he received the Sustainability Leadership Award for Non-profit Sustainable Development Leadership, presented by SustainablePH, Union Bank, and JCI Quezon City Capitol at the Changemaker 2040 Awards.

His work has been featured on ABS-CBN, GMA7, and NHK Japan, recognizing him as a leading force in the fight against hunger and food waste in Southeast Asia.

The Power of Now: No Opportunities Wasted

Mac lives by the mantra “No Opportunities Wasted” (NOW)—a philosophy that defines both his personal and professional mission. Whether through magic shows, voice-over work, or his advocacy, he uses every opportunity to educate and inspire.

A Call to Action

Mac Florendo’s journey from street magician to humanitarian icon proves that purpose, creativity, and action can change lives. Today, he continues to inspire a new generation of changemakers, advocating for a future where no good food goes to waste—and no Filipino goes hungry.

To learn more or support the movement:

• Visit: macflorendo.com

• Follow: @pinoyfoodrescuer on Instagram

  
  

Sources

• Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) Exchange Program, U.S. Department of State

• Boulder Food Rescue, Colorado, USA

• Ten Accomplished Youth Organizations (TAYO) Awards

• San Miguel Corporation “Better World” Campaign

• The 2030 Project: SDG2 Youth Champions – UN Sustainable Development Goals

• Scholars of Sustenance Philippines official reports (2023–2024)

• SustainablePH and JCI Quezon City Capitol – Changemaker 2040 Recognition

• ABS-CBN News, NHK Japan, and GMA7 features on Food Rescue

• Interviews and content by Mac Florendo, macflorendo.com