PR96232

LONDON, May 31, 2022 /PRNewswire=KYODO JBN/--

In the latest pre-ceremony announcement from The World's 50 Best Restaurants

2022, it is revealed today that the recipient of the Icon Award 2022 is Kenyan

nutritionist Wawira Njiru, founder and director of non-profit Food for

Education. The Icon Award celebrates an individual who has made an outstanding

contribution to the food world worthy of international recognition and who has

used their platform to raise awareness and drive positive change.

With an estimated 80% of children in Kenya not receiving a school meal, Njiru

believes no child should have to learn on an empty stomach. After majoring in

food science at university in Australia, she founded Food for Education in

2016, at first making 25 meals a day. The organisation now feeds 40,000

children daily, providing nutritious meals to those in schools across Kenya,

helping to boost attendance at primary level and combat hunger. It has

delivered over seven million meals to date, leading to improved nutrition,

academic performance and higher high school transition rates.

By sourcing fresh food directly from farmers, Food for Education has also been

able to help stimulate the local economy. Meals are prepared in a central

kitchen to internationally recognised food safety standards, while the

subsidised meals are delivered to students with the aid of cutting-edge

sustainable technology. During the pandemic, the organisation also provided

food packages and cash transfers that delivered over two million meals to

children and their families at home due to COVID-19.

Food for Education utilises Tap2Eat, a digital mobile platform whereby parents

can pay for the subsidised lunches with mobile money. The amount is then

credited to a virtual wallet linked to an NFC smart wristband, which students

can wear and use accordingly, meaning no cash transfers and no lost money.

Njiru hopes to expand the programme across more of Kenya and potentially beyond.

William Drew, Director of Content for The World's 50 Best Restaurants, says:

"The Icon Award recognises true trailblazers in the food sphere and we're

honoured that this year we can present it to Wawira Njiru for her exceptional

work."

Additional special awards will be revealed in the lead-up to The World's 50

Best Restaurants 2022 awards, sponsored by S.Pellegrino & Acqua Panna, taking

place in London on 18th July.

https://mediacentre.theworlds50best.com/

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1826975/Wawira_Njiru.jpg

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1802051/World_50_Best_2022_Logo.jpg

Source: 50 Best