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Our Story

Zero Food Waste was started in 2019 with a mission to reduce food waste and support the communities that we live in.

Sustainability

We believe food should fuel people, not landfills. By rescuing surplus food, we reduce the carbon footprint and greenhouse gas emissions tied to waste, building a healthier planet for future generations.

Meet the Founders

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Co-Founder & Co-Chair

Ashar Siddiqui

Ashar is a medical student at the University of Toronto in Toronto, Canada.

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​He is passionate about cancer research and addressing health inequities. In his free time, Ashar enjoys road trips, going to the gym, and video editing!

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Co-Founder & Co-Chair

Fatima Saleem

Fatima is a medical student at the University of Toronto in Toronto, Canada.

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She is passionate about removing barriers to health and well-being. In her free time, she loves boxing, working out, and spending time with family and friends. 

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    Co-Founder & Co-Chair

    Haris Ahmad

    Haris is a medical student at the Toronto Metropolitan University in Toronto, Canada.

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    He is passionate about food insecurity, social justice and equalizing opportunities in education. In his free-time he loves to play basketball.

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    WHAT WE DO

    We work with food businesses from across the supply chain to redirect surplus food to Canadians in-need across the country.

    The Problem

    Hunger and climate change is partly a logistics problem involving ineffective redistribution of excess food.

    The Solution

    We facilitate the rescue and re-distribution of excess food from food providers provide it to those who need it most.

    Our Outlook

    We believe in a world where every individual, regardless of social factors, has access to nutritious food. 

    SAVING GOOD FOOD

    By rescuing surplus food and redirecting it to communities, we support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

    SDG 12
    Responsible Consumption and Production

    By rescuing surplus food, we encourage sustainable production and responsible consumption practices.

    SDG 2
    Zero Hunger

    Increase access to nutritious food for individuals and families experiencing food insecurity.

    SDG 13
    Climate Action

    We help reduce methane emissions from landfills and the carbon footprint of Canada’s food system.

    Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Anti-Racism Commitment

    At Zero Food Waste, we recognize that food insecurity and waste are not just environmental and economic issues, but also deeply connected to systemic inequities, colonialism, and discrimination. Many communities are disproportionately impacted by barriers in our food systems.

    We commit to creating a safe, inclusive, and equitable space within our organization and through our partnerships. This means amplifying the voices of community members with lived experience, centering equity in our decision-making, and ensuring that rescued food strengthens the communities we serve.

    We acknowledge that colonial food systems have historically used food as a tool of oppression, and that food justice cannot exist without supporting food sovereignty for Indigenous Nations. We are committed to ongoing learning about how colonialism has shaped food systems in Canada, and to aligning our work with current efforts to decolonize and rebuild those systems.

    We also understand that EDI and anti-racism are continuous practices, not a destination. ZFW is committed to providing ongoing training for our staff and volunteers, examining our own privilege and biases, and working alongside marginalized communities to dismantle systemic inequities.

    Through this commitment, we aim to ensure that our fight against food waste is also a fight for equity, justice, and dignity for all.

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