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A fisherman supplier for SmartFish in Mexico

Social enterprises driving global change on World Food Day

Every year on 16 October, World Food Day highlights important topics such as food waste, sustainable agriculture, biodiversity, and the challenges faced by fishing communities — all in an effort to combat climate change. This year's theme is "Hand in Hand for Better Foods and a Better Future”. It's the perfect opportunity for us to shine a spotlight on the incredible efforts of social entrepreneurs, who are making everyday life better for so many people and how they're creating a more sustainable and inclusive world.

Photograph shows three women chefs preparing food together in a kitchen, using whisks and colorful utensils. White chef coats, smiling teamwork, and round PichaEats sign highlight a collaborative culinary workshop or cooking event.​

PichaEats

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Creates livelihood opportunities for refugees by transforming their culinary skills into sustainable sources of income.

In Malaysia, refugees face many challenges in finding a steady income. Since they’re not allowed to work in formal jobs, many families face constant financial challenges.

30%
Location
Malaysia

Programme
Social Enterprise Accelerator Malaysia
in partnership with Biji-Biji Initiative

This makes it harder for them to access education, learn new skills, or plan for the future. For some young people, money worries can interrupt their studies and hopes for what comes next.

PichaEats was created to address this challenge through food. Founded in 2016 by Kim Lim, Suzanne Ling and Lee Swee Lin after volunteering at a refugee learning centre in Kuala Lumpur, the social enterprise transforms culinary talent into livelihood opportunities. Inspired by meals shared with refugee families, the team recognised that food could create both income and connection.

Today, PichaEats partners with refugee chefs from communities including Syria, Afghanistan, Myanmar and Palestine, offering catering, meal boxes, cultural dining experiences and event services. PichaEats manages sales, marketing and logistics, enabling chefs to focus on preparing authentic dishes that celebrate their heritage.

Over the years, PichaEats has grown from a food business into a place where refugees can learn new skills and build careers. They offer training in cooking, hospitality, operations, and communication, helping refugees find jobs, apprenticeships, or even start their own businesses. Customers also learn more about refugee communities through food and stories, helping build more meaningful connections between cultures.

PichaEats has partnered with around 70 refugee chefs, creating livelihood opportunities that indirectly support approximately 400 people. It has trained 130 people in cooking, 30 in service jobs, and 10 in operations. The organisation now runs a central kitchen as well as a network of home chefs, and has branched out into wedding catering and youth development programmes.

Looking ahead, PichaEats aims to improve its training programmes, upgrade its technology, and reach new markets. As the organisation plans for the next ten years, it remains committed to helping refugees find dignified work and building better understanding between refugees and the wider community.

Programme support

Through the programme, we’ll support PichaEats in strengthening its approach to growth and scaling. The programme will also support PichaEats as it continues to develop its operational systems, leadership capacity, and long-term strategy for creating inclusive livelihood opportunities.