Featured image credit: PA
Recycle, the possibilities are endless. That couldn't be more accurate in Rio as one man's warm heart is feeding the poor, the weak and the homeless.
One top Italian chef's scheme is to use what's left to conjure up tasty meals for the homeless.
Massimo Bottura, 53, and his volunteers are using leftover raw ingredients from the athletes' village to provide 108 free meals per event.
His inspiration came after he calculated that for each meal for 18,000 participating athletes, their coaches and competition officials, an incredible 250 tonnes of raw ingredients were required.
He told the New York Times: "I thought, this is an opportunity to do something that can make a difference.
"This is not just a charity; it's not just about feeding people.
"This is about social inclusion, teaching people about food waste and giving hope to people who have lost all hope."
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Massimo Bottura. Credit: PA
Bottura, whose restaurant in Modena has recently earned the top award from World's 50 Best Restaurants, has combined the leftover ingredients to serve up meals for the homeless.
"Oh my God, he takes banana peels and makes incredible ice cream," said one diner who has been homeless for nine years.
"I thought I was dreaming and told my wife to pinch me. But it wasn't a dream," another said, who before the Olympics would have been scavenging from rubbish bin bags in the street, often going hungry.
Incredible, as if feeding 18,000 athletes wasn't enough of a task already! Someone give this lad a gold medal!
Words by Hamish Kilburn
Featured Image Credit:Topics: Homeless