Food from the Heart Set to Benefit Bakeries and Charity Homes

Singapore, January 30, 2003

Bakeries and charity homes will benefit from a food distribution programme, Food from the Heart, which ensures that unsold bread and pastries previously thrown away by bakeries go instead to the less fortunate.

Food from the Heart was initiated by an Austrian couple, Henry and Christine Laimer, who were inspired by the media reports and ensuing public outcry over bakeries dumping their unsold but still edible bread and pastries.

In the initial phase, over 130 volunteers will fan out across the island, using 31 delivery routes to transport bread and pastries from 34 bakeries to 26 homes.

“The bakeries we approached were positive and responsive to our ideas. They too realised that such large amounts of edible food could be used for a better cause rather than being wasted. Many people will benefit from this programme and we are thankful for all the support we are receiving,᾿ said Christine Laimer.

Such an operation of this scale requires a robust logistics system to process data and information, which is where Fujitsu Asia steps in using its Mobile ASP (Application Service Provider) Operation platform to coordinate the delivery operations.

Fujitsu Asia has implemented Food-Trek, a sophisticated but user-friendly mobile tracking system, where volunteers will access a server-based SMS service through their handphones, to coordinate the times and routes for the collection and delivery of the bread and pastries.

Said Mr Victor Yue, Director, Fujitsu Mobile Solutions Center, “Without a mobile tracking system, it will be a mammoth task for the Food from the Heart to coordinate and track the delivery of the bread and pastries to the homes all over Singapore. Fujitsu Asia is most happy and honoured to be able to participate in this programme by providing our system for this worthwhile charity cause.

This system tracks and ensures that all bread and pastries reaching their destination could be promptly and properly accounted for, with time-consuming paperwork kept to a minimum.

Bakeries involved in this programme include Delifrance, Prima Deli and Four Leaves, in addition to many others.

Food from the Heart will also be distributing 456 Hongbaos to children in 8 homes on 4 and 5 February 2003.

There will be a training session at HDB Hub Biz Three, 490 Lorong 6 Toa Payoh, on 6 February 2003, from 4 pm to 5 pm, where volunteers will be briefed on the use of the Food-Trek mobile tracking system on their handphones. All media are cordially invited. The ‘Volunteer Hub’ conference room, 4th floor, where the session is to be held, can be accessed by lift lobby 2.