Mario, born and raised in Timor-Leste, grew up witnessing the struggles of his community with chronic diseases. Villagers relied on fast food and frozen meals because they couldn’t afford fresh ingredients, leading to a rapid increase in illnesses such as diabetes and hypertension. According to a WHO report, around 74% of global deaths are linked to chronic diseases, with poor dietary habits being a major contributor.

"In my neighborhood, it was really hard to find fresh food. My family, like many others, often turned to fast food because it was cheap and accessible. Unfortunately, this led to many people suffering from chronic diseases."

While villagers struggled to access fresh ingredients, local farmers in Timor-Leste faced their own challenges. Despite cultivating fresh and healthy produce, they couldn’t find reliable buyers, leaving them unable to sell their crops at fair prices. Witnessing these challenges, Mario thought of a solution to tackle both problems simultaneously.

"I realized that the healthy ingredients produced in my region weren’t being utilized effectively. By creating delicious and nutritious meals with these ingredients and selling them at affordable prices, I believed we could help people in our community lead healthier lives while supporting farmers who struggled to sell their produce."

To provide his community with healthier meals, Mario is planning to launch Restaurante Hahan Saudavel, a self-sustaining project in Timor-Leste. The restaurant will prepare nutritious meals using fresh ingredients sourced directly from local farmers and offer them at reasonable prices to make healthy food accessible to everyone. Collaborating with local nutritionists, the menu will feature a variety of options, including vegan and gluten-free dishes.

Restaurante Hahan Saudavel aims to make healthy eating a reality for more people in Timor-Leste. A portion of the restaurant’s profits will fund a meal support program for low-income residents. Additionally, the project will host regular workshops to raise awareness about the importance of a healthy diet. By expanding its collaboration with local farmers, the restaurant also seeks to provide them with a stable income.

"Our restaurant isn’t just a place to sell food. It’s a space to share the value of healthy meals, uplift local farmers, and create a brighter future for our community."

Support Restaurante Hahan Saudavel through impact donations and help make healthier living a reality for the people of Timor-Leste.