TABLE FOR TWO is an organization that simultaneously addresses hunger in the developing world, and obesity and other life-style related diseases in the developed world.
How We Got Started
In our world of 6 billion, 1 billion suffer from hunger, while another 1 billion suffer from obesity and other life-style related diseases.
Mission
TABLE FOR TWO’s mission is to promote health in both the developing and the developed world.
We seek to simultaneously address hunger in the developing world, and obesity and other life-style related diseases in the developed world.
We aim to bring balance and health to the world where there is currently imbalance and suffering.
This grave imbalance is what prompted us to create TABLE FOR TWO.
TABLE FOR TWO was launched by members of the Forum of Young Global Leaders in partnership with the World Economic Forum.
The concept of TABLE FOR TWO was born at a meeting in Vancouver in summer 2006. Two groups were discussing two major challenges to health in the same room - one was focused on hunger, and another on obesity. The inescapable irony of this global inequity gripped all the participants. That’s when the group decided to create TABLE FOR TWO and address the dichotomy head on.
In spring 2007, pilots were conducted at various company and government cafeterias in Japan. The format was tested and improved. A not-for-profit organization was created and partnerships established with school meal partners in the developing world.
Then, in summer 2007, TABLE FOR TWO started its global expansion - from Japan to the US; on to Europe; and then the rest of the world.
Why Table For Two?
Our name captures the fact that a healthy meal bought in your company cafeteria also buys a school meaｌ for a child in the developing world.
You, as a participant in the developed world, are not eating alone; ignoring time and borders, you are eating at a table together with children who are less fortunate.
We believe that this sense of unity and empathy - brought about by sharing a TABLE FOR TWO - is critical for the wellbeing of our world today.
Why Table For Two is special
TABLE FOR TWO is special for several reasons:
Firstly, it represents a “win-win” solution. People in both developing and developed nations improve their health simultaneously.
Secondly, everyone can participate. Since we should all be eating lunch at work, it makes sense to choose the healthy option.
Thirdly, there is strong private sector involvement. Companies can improve their employees' health in their cafeterias; restaurants can serve healthier meals. Through these efforts, business can play its role in helping to address global hunger.