In Utah, approximately 400,000 individuals face food insecurity, a stark contrast to the significant amount of edible food that goes to waste. As individuals, we often discard up to 40% of the food we buy, and even with the best intentions, companies and events frequently generate surplus food. This wasted organic matter in landfills is a major contributor to environmental harm, producing roughly 14% of the U.S. methane emissions, a potent greenhouse gas.
What if we could divert this excess food away from landfills and instead use it to nourish those in need?
At WasteLess Solutions, this is precisely our mission. Our aim is to educate our communities and implement practical solutions to drastically reduce food waste. We achieve this through two key approaches: educating consumers and food entities about the issue and viable solutions, and by operating our robust Food Rescue Program.
Diverting Food: A Key Solution in the Food Recovery Hierarchy
Our Food Rescue Program directly aligns with the second tier of the EPA's Food Recovery Hierarchy: Diversion. This critical step focuses on rescuing edible food that would otherwise be wasted and getting it to people, helping to reduce food insecurity and its associated social and environmental burdens. By diverting food, we not only feed our community but also significantly reduce the environmental impact of food waste.
How Our Food Rescue Program Works: A Cycle of Impact
Our program is a collaborative effort, bringing together various community members to create a continuous cycle of rescue and impact:
Step 1: Identifying Surplus Food - We actively identify food purveyors and companies—such as restaurants, caterers, grocers, and distributors—who have excess, high-quality food that would otherwise go to waste due to overproduction, cosmetic imperfections, or nearing expiration dates.
Step 2: Mobilizing Our Volunteer Rescuers - We recruit and organize dedicated volunteers, whom we call "rescuers." These incredible individuals play a vital role by picking up the surplus food directly from our donors.
Step 3: Delivering to Our Partner Organizations - Our rescuers then deliver this high-quality, rescued food to our network of trusted partner organizations, including food pantries, shelters, and community centers.
Step 4: Nourishing Our Community - Our partner organizations utilize this nutritious food, preparing meals and distributing it directly to individuals and families experiencing food insecurity, ensuring good food goes to good use and stays out of landfills.
Repeat!
This cycle allows us to consistently rescue and redistribute food, making a tangible difference in the lives of Utahns and for our planet.
Join the WasteLess Solutions Movement!
You can play a crucial role in perfecting this cycle and keeping it going. Become a volunteer rescuer and help us pick up and deliver food, or become a food donor and help us distribute rescued food to those in need. Every effort counts! Additionally, monetary donations are always welcome to support our vital work and expand our reach. Together, we can create a WasteLess Utah!
