2019 WE Empower finalist, Paulina Salach Antonetti, is the co-founder of SPOON Food Tours, a sustainable culinary experience in Puerto Rico. The organization is committed to working with small, mom-and-pop businesses in the food/agricultural industry to foster a locally grown food experience. SPOON makes strides towards being sustainable by eliminating plastic cups and straws as well as locally sourcing eco-friendly ingredients.
By supporting and partnering with local organizations and businesses, SPOON supports Sustainable Development Goal 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth. The organization claims to have helped the businesses it has partnered with to achieve economic growth since Hurricane Marina in 2017. Goal 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production is realized through partnering with local businesses that sustainably produce products like hot sauce, rum, coffee, handbags, arts, crafts and more. SPOON envisions a visitor-based economy that attains Goal 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities through avoiding partnering with international chains, utilizing sustainably and locally sourced ingredients, and producing economic stability in marginalized communities.