Thailand Advances AI Development to Connect “Donors” with “Food Donation Recipients,” Aiming to Reduce Food Waste

Thailand faces a surplus food issue, with nearly 4 million tons of excess food each year, while the low-income population and those with limited access to quality food amount to approximately 3.8 million people. To address this problem, the SOS Thailand Foundation, or Scholars of Sustenance Foundation, was established in 2016 with the goal of connecting food donors with those in need of food donations. This effort helps alleviate hunger and reduce food waste, a major contributor to global warming.

The SOS Thailand Foundation has distributed over 9.8 million kilograms, or 41.3 million meals, to more than 3,750 communities. Additionally, the foundation has reduced nearly 25,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions from landfill disposal, showcasing positive environmental impact. To further enhance operational efficiency, the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation, in collaboration with the National Electronics and Computer Technology Center (NECTEC), has developed an AI platform that helps match food donors with food donation requests. The system analyzes relevant data, such as food types, quantities, and transportation constraints, allowing staff to manage donated food swiftly and accurately.

Currently, the platform is in a testing phase with SOS Thailand, and it is expected to be fully operational by the end of this year. This development will enable more effective expansion to additional areas, supporting vulnerable groups such as children and the elderly.

The SOS Thailand Foundation seeks support from the public and private sectors, as well as the general public, to sustain its long-term operations, particularly in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for eradicating hunger and promoting sustainable production.

For More Information: National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA)
Link : https://www.nstda.or.th/home/