On Thursday 16th, coinciding with World Food Day, Soroptimist International Costa del Sol presented the fourth edition of the ‘Feed your optimism’ Awards, recognising companies and organisations in the province of Malaga for their sustainable practices. The ceremony reaffirmed Soroptimist’s commitment to promoting local initiatives that drive more sustainable food systems, as well as recognising individuals and groups working for a fairer and healthier future. As the president of this women’s organisation, Daphne Theunissen, stated, “eating well, eating healthy, should not be a privilege, but a universal right, as well as an act of love”.

The event took place at the Mijasc Town Hall and was attended by the councillor for Social Inclusion, Mari Francis Alarcón (PP), and the councillor for Foreigners, Mario Bravo (PP), whose department regularly collaborate in the activities organised by Soroptimist.

 

According to the host of the event and Soroptimist member, Soledad Riveros, the award winners in this edition “represent the diversity and richness of the entire province of Malaga”. From the Serranía de Ronda to the Axarquía, the nominations demonstrate different models of rural and urban impact which, taken together, “form a map of good practices in food production, distribution, education and innovation. This plurality shows that sustainability is not a single path, but a mosaic of solutions adapted to each territory”. 

 

With five segments established, the awards went to

• La Laja Cheeses (Ronda), In the Food Cultivation and Distribution category. Recognition for family resilience, integrated estate management and commitment to local and artisanal products. The award was received by the couple José Manuel Orozco and Remedios Conde and and presented by Leonor García-Agua, director of the Sabor a Málaga brand.

 

• Sierra de Yeguas Oils in the Sustainable Food Production category. Award to the cooperative for its ecological model, its capacity to generate employment and its environmental commitment. Eduardo Vega received the award.

 

• The campaign against childhood obesity led by Julio Melgarejo, in the category of Food Education and Awareness. Recognition of the work of organisations and individuals for their efforts in education, nutrition and first aid work in schools. The award was received by José Antonio Ramírez, manager of CardioLife.

 

• El Perol Canned Food, in the Innovation and Technology category. Award for a young initiative that transforms local raw materials into added value and rural employment. The award was collected by Alba Marín and Arturo Triviño, founding members of the cooperative. 

 

• Restaurante Raíces (Istán), in the Sustainable Restaurant category. Recognition of a gastronomic project that promotes local identity, zero-mile sourcing and transparency in the kitchen. The award was collected by its owners, José Miguel Marín and Carmen Fernández.

 

Now in their fourth year, these awards form a strategic initiative of Soroptimist International Costa del Sol “to raise the profile of and strengthen projects that are moving towards sustainable food systems”.

Soroptimist expressed its gratitude to the jury, composed of the Fundación Aula del Mar, Sabor a Málaga, Justicia Alimentaria, and Cruz Roja Málaga, for their professionalism and judgement. Thanks were also extended to the Mijas Foreigners Department and Mijas Comunicación. Members of these organisations were responsible for presenting the awards. Leonor García-Agua, head of Sabor a Málaga, presented the award to Quesos La Laja, while Mario Bravo, councillor for Foreigners, presented the award to Aceites Sierra de Yeguas. In his speech, Bravo emphasised: “From the Mijas Town Hall, Soroptimist, Sabor a Málaga, and all the associations, we should feel proud to support people like these, who work not just for money, of course we all need money, we have to get by, but here you see something more. You see care, love for the work, and pride in doing things well”.

 

The award ceremony was completed by Erin Mcnulty, coordinator of the Andalusian branch of Justicia Alimentaria, who presented the award for the campaign against childhood obesity; Cristina Moreno, founding member of Fundación Aula del Mar, who presented the award to Conservas El Perol; and Daphne Theunissen, who presented the award to Restaurante Raíces.

Support for research

In addition to presenting these awards, Soroptimist International Costa del Sol (comprising around 25 women) gave us the opportunity on Thursday 16th to learn about a research project carried out by Zora Morena Vathke. A recipient of a 2025 scholarship from the European Federation of Soroptimist International and a student at the University of Malaga, Vathke combines artistic training and experience in early childhood education to promote sustainable solutions in the Axarquía region. During the ceremony, she presented her project, sharing insights into her research on 'alperujo' (olive pomace) and its potential as a natural fertiliser.

 

 

 

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