Bali Flood Relief with Astungkara Way
In September 2025, severe floods devastated several parts of Bali, leaving hundreds of families struggling to access food and basic necessities. In response, Astungkara Way, founded by Impact Hero 2025 Runner-up, Tim Fijal, mobilized its Grains for Change program to deliver emergency food relief while staying true to its core mission: strengthening community resilience through regenerative farming.
Through Earth Company’s US$3,000 contribution, Grains for Change was able to expand its relief distribution and meet the surging needs of flood-affected communities. The initiative provided food packages made from locally grown organic rice, ensuring that support for those in crisis also uplifted Bali’s smallholder farmers who are at the heart of Astungkara Way’s work.
At a Glance
Originally from Canada, Tim initiated a community engagement project at an international school in Bali, Indonesia. Through interactions with local farmers, he identified issues of soil degradation due to chemical-intensive farming and a declining interest in agriculture amongst youth. To address these challenges, he began promoting models for regenerative farming and travel by founding Astungkara Way.
Applying regenerative farming methods, farmers can increase yields while accessing multiple revenue streams by cultivating biodiversity in their rice paddies, thereby restoring ecosystems and improving their health and livelihoods. Currently, he has partnered with 170 farmers and aims to transition 7,000 hectares, or 10% of Bali’s rice fields, to regenerative farming by 2030. In addition to agriculture, Astungkara Way initiated Bali’s first coast-to-coast pilgrimage trail focused on regeneration. Tim strives to make Bali a model for regenerative practices, tackling significant issues like over tourism and the loss of farmland due to tourism development.
Delivering Emergency Food Relief Through Local Partnerships
With Earth Company’s support, Grains of Change distributed hundreds of kilograms of organic rice to families impacted by the floods. Working in collaboration with trusted community partners such as Ragam Foundation, PKP Women’s Centre, Bumi Sehat Bali, Sari Hati School, Bali Street Mums, and Bali Street Kids, the initiative reached families who had lost homes and livelihoods to the disaster. These efforts not only addressed urgent food insecurity but also provided comfort and connection during an exceptionally difficult time.
Even as the floodwaters recede, Grains of Change continues to nurture long-term food security by aiming to suppor 30 local farmers cultivating 3 hectares of regenerative rice fields. The program aims to sustain around 20,000 servings of organic rice each month and engages 150 Balinese children in hands-on farm visits to learn about ecological farming and ancestral land stewardship. By linking emergency food aid with regenerative agriculture, Astungkara Way demonstrates that true recovery is not just about rebuilding, but about growing stronger, together.
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