In a commendable effort to combat food waste and support local families in need, South Washington County Schools have partnered with Basic Needs Food Market, a nonprofit organization, to launch a food rescue initiative. This program aims to redirect surplus food from schools to those who can benefit from it, especially during the holiday season.
Key Takeaways
- Partnership: South Washington County Schools and Basic Needs Food Market collaborate to reduce food waste.
- Food Waste Statistics: Approximately 62% of food thrown away in Minnesota could have been consumed or donated.
- Pilot Program: The initiative began in October, with nutrition staff sorting and storing unused food for weekly pickups.
- Impact: In November alone, 1,435 pounds of food were rescued from five schools.
The Problem of Food Waste
Food waste is a significant issue, with estimates suggesting that about one-fifth of the food produced for human consumption globally is never eaten. In Minnesota, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) reports that food waste constitutes 18% of the state’s landfills, highlighting the urgent need for effective food rescue solutions.
The Initiative’s Launch
The Pilot Food Rescue Program was launched in October, aiming to address the growing concern of food waste in schools. Under this initiative, nutrition staff at South Washington County Schools sort and store unused food items, which are then collected by volunteers from Basic Needs Food Market.
Community Involvement
Local community members, including parents like Tina Altman, have expressed their support for the program. Altman noted the importance of reducing waste, especially during the holiday season when many families are struggling.
Food Collection and Distribution
The program has already made a significant impact. In November, Basic Needs Food Market collected:
- 1,435 pounds of food from five different schools.
- Types of food collected include:
- Snacks
- Canned goods
- Cereal
- Fresh fruit
Petersen, a volunteer at Basic Needs, highlighted that the food collected often includes perishable items that would otherwise go to waste, such as applesauce and cranberries.
Supporting Local Families
The food rescued through this initiative is crucial for the community, as it helps feed the approximately 200 people who visit the Basic Needs Food Market each day. By pooling resources and working together, the community can ensure that surplus food is utilized effectively, providing nourishment to those in need.
Looking Ahead
As the program continues to grow, Basic Needs Food Market is expanding its efforts to include three additional schools, with expectations of increasing food pickups. This initiative not only addresses food waste but also fosters a sense of community and support during challenging times.
In conclusion, the collaboration between South Washington County Schools and Basic Needs Food Market exemplifies how local organizations can work together to tackle pressing issues like food waste while simultaneously supporting families in need. This initiative serves as a model for other communities looking to implement similar food rescue programs.
Sources
- South Washington County Schools, nonprofit team up to launch a food rescue – ABC 6 News – kaaltv.com, kaaltv.com.
