Mexican restaurant franchise, Zambrero, has donated over 15 million meals to those facing food scarcity through its Plate 4 Plate initiative.

The initiative has created a global movement to end hunger, mobilising Mexican and healthy food lovers across Australia and the globe to “eat to beat world hunger”.

Dr Sam Prince, Zambrero founder, philanthropist and a medical doctor, said the Plate 4 Plate initiative was built into the core of their business to ensure they are giving back and making the world a better place.

“Fifteen million meals is an incredible milestone and just one stepping stone in our goal to donate a billion meals by 2025,” said Prince.

The Plate 4 Plate initiative, created by Prince, works on a concept that allows everyday Zambrero customers to “feel double good” by enjoying fresh, tasty food and contributing to a great cause at the same time.

For every burrito or bowl purchased at a Zambrero restaurant a meal is donated to someone in need. The meal is made from rice, lentils and soy with 23 essential vitamins and nutrients. Communities receive these packs and then use what local ingredients are available to make meals, primarily via school feeding programs.

With about 792.5 million people in the world not getting the food they need to live a healthy life, according to the Food and Agriculture Organisation, Zambrero is working closely with hunger relief agencies to effectively distribute the food to over 74 countries, including Australia. Rise Against Hunger distributes the food globally while Foodbank Australia distributes meals locally.

“Our most recent Hunger Report highlighted malnutrition and hunger is a growing issue in our country,” said Foodbank Australia CEO, Brianna Casey. “One in six Australian’s face food scarcity, so the dedication of companies like Zambrero goes a long way in fighting hunger in our own backyard.”

“By building philanthropic initiatives into their goals, local businesses can change the lives of many everyday Australians experiencing hardship. Together, we can help get these people back on their feet.”

Zambrero is holding their annual volunteer meal packing day to pack meals for distribution working with their partners on October 20. It will take place across five metro cities in Australia.