BioCycle Magazine reports on Food Recovery Networks success on college campuses. The Food Recovery Network (FRN), a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit, works to fight food waste and hunger in America. Spanning across 40 states and 171 chapters on college campuses, the Food Recovery Network has donated 1.1 million pounds of food. Every semester thousands of student volunteers are trained in food safety and receive food safety supplies. Students are helping to reduce hunger by donating surplus food to a selected nongovernmental organization partner.

In addition to addressing the EPA Food Recovery Hierarchy, food donation can help commercial generators comply with the Massachusetts Commercial Organics Waste Ban. The ban prohibits businesses and institutions from disposing one ton or more of food waste per week. Some FRN chapters have adjusted production to help reduce costs and surplus after seeing the food recovery data provided by FRN.

There are currently ten Food Recovery Network chapters in Massachusetts. These chapters include Becker College, Brandeis University, College of the Holy Cross, Framingham State University, Gordon College, Nichols College, Olin College of Engineering, Smith College, UMass Amherst, and Worcester Polytechnic Institute.

Students can apply on the FRN website to start a new chapter at their school.

RecyclingWorks in Massachusetts recently posted guidelines to help food service businesses safely donate to food rescue organizations. RecyclingWorks also provides assistance to businesses and institutions with recycling and food waste reduction through composting and food donation. To speak to a recycling expert, call our hotline: (888) 254-5525 or email us at info@recyclingworksma.com.