Valentine's table auction fights world hunger

The Hunger Project Australia’s ‘A Table to End Hunger’ aims to combat poverty while solving a first-world problem: getting a table on Valentines Day at a sold-out restaurant.

Source: Flickr / Jack Fussell

One of the restaurant industry's busiest nights is not just a chance for romance - it's also going to give people a way to help those less fortunate while scoring a sought-after table at some of the country's most exclusive restaurants.

Food Network's new star, Sydney chef Andy Allen, is one of the spokespeople for A Table To End Hunger, which has 70 restaurants across Australia taking part. The other ambassadors are chef and restaurant entrepreneur Tom Walton, nutritionist and author Rosie Mansfield and chef Renae Smith.

Those interested in securing a table are able to bid on reservations, with proceeds from winning bids donated to programs aiming to empower the poorest people in Africa, India and Bangladesh. The ultimate aim of the organisation is to "end hunger and poverty by pioneering sustainable, grassroots, women-centered strategies and advocating for their widespread adoption in countries throughout the world".

The list of restaurants includes Sydney based Momofuku Seiobo, The Apollo, Longrain, Toko, Tokonoma by Toko, Cho Cho San, Ester and Almond Bar; Melbourne's Il Baccaro, The Point and Minamishima; Brisbane's Urbane, Ecco Bistro, Montrachet and Longtime; Perth's The Alex Hotel and Lalla Rookh; and Jolley's Boathouse in Adelaide. Bidding closes on Tuesday. 

Chief Executive Officer Melanie Noden said the inaugural event held in February last year was a success in engaging Australians in the fight against world hunger, highlighted by one couple's $5000 bid.

“In February 2017, we’re looking to share the love even wider and have even more Australians bid on the sought-after table reservations. We’re excited that so many top Australian restaurants have signed on to be part of this initiative that will have global impact.

“Huge global progress has been made already: in the past 25 years the number of people living in hunger has actually been cut in half. That said, there’s still a long way to go to end world hunger by 2030, and ‘A Table To End Hunger’ is one way for Australians to play a part in the solution.”

Andy Allen, chef and owner of Three Blue Ducks, and co-host of Food Network's Andy and Ben Eat Australia (starts Wed 15 February, 9.30pm) says “The Ducks are stoked to be a part of A Table To End Hunger".

"We believe that everyone should have the chance to eat fresh and colourful food. By reserving a spot at our table on Valentine’s Day for you, we’re doing our little bit to help end hunger globally,” Allen says.