Wedge is thrilled to announce our partnership with Food Waste Prevention Week taking place April 7- 13 this year. An international movement of more than 600 nonprofits, agencies, businesses and student groups, Food Waste Prevention Week supports the mission of reducing wasted food in our homes, workplaces, and communities. We can inspire action and create meaningful change- together.
You may wonder, why is food waste prevention so important?
Conserves resources: Reducing food waste is the most impactful personal action you can take to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Wasted food means wasted labor, land, water, and energy input used in its production, processing, and transportation. When wasted food goes into a landfill, it breaks down & emits potent greenhouse gasses, like carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4), which are damaging to our environment.
Saves on your food budget: Every year, Americans lose over $218 billion on food that is not ultimately eaten and ends up going to waste.
A family of four can save between $1800- $3000+ a year by reducing wasted food*. Households are responsible for the majority of wasted food. If we work to prevent and lessen food waste, we can save money that is wasted on food that doesn’t get eaten.
Improves food access to fight hunger: Safe and nutritious food could be better utilized to improve food access in our communities. The alarming reality is that right here in the US, one in five people are food insecure- meaning they lack consistent access to nutritious food. At the same time, about three million tons of wasted food goes to landfills every year. Working to recover usable food provides another source of nutritious food.
winning on reducing food waste
Food Waste Prevention Week aligns with the EPA, USDA, and FDA’s “Winning on Reducing Food Waste” initiative, which aims to cut food waste by 50% by 2030. The greenhouse gasses produced by decomposing organic waste in landfills contribute significantly to climate change. By working together to divert good food from landfills, we can conserve resources, lessen environmental impacts, and build stronger, more resilient food systems- right in Minnesota.
As an official partner of Food Waste Prevention Week, we are committed to furthering the message that reducing food waste supports the local economy, a healthier environment, and greater food security for all.
Make a difference- join the movement! Learn more at foodwastepreventionweek.com