A love for culinary arts and work as an attorney make Zara Abbasi an ideal ambassador for Potluck Food Rescue. She was introduced to the organization through local restauranteurs; her belief that equity is a basic human right aligns with this effort to combat food insecurity. Zara will welcome friends to Driving Away Hunger next month and guarantees an evening of camaraderie + fun.
Potluck Food Rescue provides hunger relief and reduces food waste in Central Arkansas. Through a multi-platform approach, the organization redirects surplus inventory from restaurants, grocery stores, hospital and school cafeterias that would otherwise be discarded into landfills. This commitment to wellness, the environment and the local economy is unwavering. In 2023 – 408,000+ meals were distributed to agency partners including homeless shelters, food pantries, soup kitchens, women’s emergency shelters, day centers for seniors, veterans’ centers and childcare centers. Food Rescue Heroes act as liaisons between the donor and distributor. “Potluck is incredibly efficient in the way it connects food providers with food insecure communities,” Zara elaborates. “It’s truly community-oriented and run.” This food rescue operation is made possible by volunteers who pick up and deliver food; funding is a critical component. “That’s how Driving Away Hunger helps. Every year, operational costs increase and this event helps cover the gap. I love seeing everyone come out and support us.”
Zara witnessed the transformative power of volunteering from her family. “My parents donated countless hours to make meals and offer transportation, always helping someone along the way and I was right there. Language barriers can be a big obstacle; my dad would help with paperwork and related filings. My mom would fill in the gaps anywhere else she could.” Zara attended UA Little Rock and worked at Share America with children in underfunded neighborhoods. “This opportunity left an impression on my heart; I quickly witnessed how food insecurity and scarcity impact our neighbors.” As an attorney, her pro bono work helps women with language barriers escape domestic violence. “Whether it’s a legal injustice or food injustice that I’ve witnessed, I hope to help right some wrongs.”
After more than 30 years, Potluck Food Rescue remains a leader in innovative solutions that improve the welfare of fellow Arkansans as well as the environment. Zara recognizes that nutritional meals are not only an essential part of a healthy diet, but also for enriching the fabric of life. “Even without words spoken, we could be offered food when we’re hungry and know it was an act of kindness. Providing food to others truly connects us to each other in the most basic way.”
Zara spent time as an acclaimed pastry chef and created a dessert program for Central Arkansas eateries. She continues to “bake” the world into a happier place with special projects and cooking classes. “I’ve learned small, simple acts can make a difference.” This might be sharing a meal with a family or a larger gathering. “Being a volunteer means being a good friend to the organization and the people you’re helping. And that’s incredibly important to me because it builds stronger, better communities.”
Driving Away Hunger
Thursday, September 26
Eastside Scrapyard
