Dive Brief:
- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recognized some participants in its Food Recovery Challenge and WasteWise programs.
- Recipients who received recognition from the EPA for their efforts included Kroger grocery stores and Shop Rite retailers of New Jersey.
- These corporations were lauded by the agency for their ability to reduce food waste, donate food to those in need, and divert food from landfills.
Dive Insight:
Participants in the Food Recovery Challenge diverted over 370,000 tons of food scraps from landfills and incinerators, according to the EPA.
The Food Waste Reduction Alliance includes 24 member companies; the program was implemented by the Food Marketing Institute, Grocery Manufacturer’s Association, and the National Restaurant Association. These organizations work in tandem with the EPA, USDA, and various strategic advisers to achieve collective goals.
Shared goals of the programs include: reducing the volume of food waste lost in the supply chain by streamlining management systems; donating food to the less fortunate; and redirecting food waste from landfills toward a productive use.