Blog Post

On June 4th, RecyclingWorks in Massachusetts partnered with the Environmental Protection Agency, Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, and Whole Foods to host the Spring 2015 “Diversion and Reduction through Food Donation” WasteWise Forum. The event took place at Whole Foods Market Regional Office in Cambridge. It was a successful event that brought together 58 participants including food donation organizations, waste haulers and institutions with successful diversion programs. Lorenzo Macaluso from RecyclingWorks introduced the event. MassDEP then gave updates on food waste and recovery work in the state. Next, EPA New England awarded this year’s Food Recovery Challenge awardees. The 2013-2014 awardees were:

Beth Israel, Deaconess Medical Center, Boston

 

Big Y Foods, Inc., Springfield

 

BJ’s Wholesale Club, Westborough

 

Genzyme Corporation, Framingham Campus, Framingham

 

Tufts University Medford Campus, Medford

Other Awardees were:

  • University of Massachusetts Amherst (Physical Plant), Amherst
  • Harvard University, Cambridge
  • TD Garden, Boston

In addition to these updates and awards there were a variety of presentations on diversion and reduction through food donation. To learn more and see the presentations visit the RecyclingWorks website or select to view a presentation listed below.

EPA’s Food Recovery Challenge, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 1 — Christine Beling

Whole Foods Market PerspectiveWhole Foods Market – Karen Franczyk

 Food Rescue Agency Perspective, Lovin’ Spoonfuls – Lauren Palumbo

PartnershipsFood Donation Connections – Steve Dietz

We hope to see you at a future WasteWise event! WasteWise is a voluntary program designed to help private and public organizations work toward reductions in solid waste and select non-hazardous industrial wastes. By participating in WasteWise, organizations not only improve their bottom line, but also the environment. There is no fee for WasteWise membership, and any organization may join. Learn more or sign up by visiting our website.