Belly of the Beast is a fast-casual restaurant in Northampton focused on using local ingredients and engaging in sustainable practices. Although operations were disrupted due to COVID-19, Belly of the Beast has been able to maintain a focus on waste reduction while strengthening ties to the local community and feeding those in need. Recently, Belly…
This spring, many food service businesses temporarily closed or began operating at a reduced capacity, disrupting the local and regional food system. With fewer commercial and institutional outlets for food products, farms, manufacturers, distributors, and other entities along the supply chain are finding themselves with surplus food. At the same time, food rescue organizations that…
RecyclingWorks in Massachusetts (RecyclingWorks) recently developed a new webpage that includes links to the most commonly referenced tip sheets, best management practices, and other resources on waste reduction, recycling, and food recovery. Some of the resources highlighted on this page include: Guidance for Businesses Contracting for Trash, Recycling, and Food Waste Services Single Stream Recycling…
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently recognized four Massachusetts entities with 2019 Food Recovery Challenge (FRC) awards. The Food Recovery Challenge is a voluntary program for organizations and businesses to implement strategies to reduce food waste in their operations in alignment with the Food Recovery Hierarchy. If your organization is not already a Food…
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently recognized two Massachusetts organizations for their achievements in waste diversion through the national WasteWise program. WasteWise is a free, voluntary program designed to help private and public organizations work toward reductions in solid waste. Every year, the EPA recognizes partners in various categories who report significant improvements in…
Many corporate cafeterias, colleges & universities, healthcare facilities, and other businesses and institutions contract with outside food service providers to manage dining operations. With recent closures, these entities are recognizing the decrease in food orders and purchasing while understanding the growing need to donate food to the local community. Green Biz recently described how one…
Many Massachusetts food service businesses are working to reduce waste to help them cut costs, limit excess inventory, and comply with the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection’s commercial organics waste ban. These efforts are more important than ever as business and institutions recalibrate in response to COVID-19 related closures and disruptions. The Boston Globe recently…
As restaurants, event spaces, and other businesses with food service options experience restrictions and closures due to COVID-19, many end up with surplus food in their inventory. Rather than discard it, businesses and institutions can connect with local food rescue organizations. WWLP recently included another unique outlet for food donation – the Zoo in Forest…
As many Massachusetts restaurants, institutions, event venues, and other businesses face temporary closures due to COVID-19, there is a large amount of surplus food that cannot be utilized or sold. To keep this food out of the trash and help support the local community, many of these entities are seeking ways to donate edible food…
Recent restrictions and closures due to COVID-19 may leave your business or institution with excess food in your inventory. Whether you are a restaurant, college or university, supermarket, or other business, consider donating your surplus, edible food to the local community rather than throwing it away. Many food rescue organizations are currently able to distribute…
