Google ‘world’s healthiest diet’ and the word ‘Mediterranean’ pops up more than any other. The Mediterranean diet is synonymous with good health and a long life. In fact, the Greek island of Ikaria has made headlines for being one of the places with the highest longevity in the world – one-third of the population lives beyond the age of 90 years.
Given this image, it’s hard to believe that Greece - the Mediterranean country known to produce some of the healthiest foods - grapples with malnutrition. Harsh as it may be, that’s the reality; high youth unemployment puts many at risk of being underfed.
The irony was not lost on Melina Taprantzi.
But instead of ignoring the social malaise, she decided to do something about it. She founded a business that supports small farm producers in Greece, at the same time feeding the underprivileged and skilling Greek youngsters.
Wise Greece, winner of the Allianz Future Generations Award 2019, promotes top-quality Greek products locally and internationally, using its profits to meet the nutritional needs of those in need. In addition, its Wise Greece Academy teaches young Greeks the ins and outs of the farming industry, empowering them to build a better future. “They improve their job prospects and the country’s farming industry thrives,” says 35-year-old Melina.
In a tough competition, Wise Greece beat out seven other social startups this year to win a 40,000-euro grant from Allianz. The grant will go a long way in granting some basic wishes. “We will use it to create an online platform to provide courses to children even in the remotest parts of the country, set up an innovation center and maybe even launch a food innovation contest,” adds the social entrepreneur. “Our aim is to reach 4,500 young people next year.”