Divert’s Post

Numbers provide value in storytelling (like this post!) and help us identify impact. I hope we can move towards such #foodrescue tracking in Chicago/Illinois!

In 2021, retailers donated just shy of 1M surplus tons of food. #FoodRescue initiatives, like those at Raley's stores, have a significant impact on reducing #FoodWaste, and they’re a strategy that retailers across the globe can use to reach their #sustainability goals. Raley’s donated over 5M pounds of food in 2021, and that’s just one of several strategies they use to reduce food waste! Read about this PCFWC signatory’s approach to #FoodRescue and other prevention best practices here: https://loom.ly/9ctpWYE

Did you know that one-third of all food produced worldwide is wasted? And after the Christmas festivities when fridges and cupboards are over-stocked, it's important to manage this correctly! Check out our blog post on managing food waste and charitable giving. We discuss the importance of handling food waste properly and provide tips on how to donate food to charities safely 🍴 Check it out and get valuable insight https://hubs.li/Q02f5slV0 👈 #everydaysafer #safetyexperts

"The growth of these charities and the efforts of canned food drives, fundraising campaigns and volunteers have done little to stem the demand, however. Those who work in the sector recognize giving out food doesn’t solve the fundamental problem that drives people to use food charities in the first place—the problem of not having enough money." A brilliant article from Wency Leung that hits the nail on the head: food banks simply can't keep up with the demand that comes from bad policy. Since emergency welfare measures during the pandemic have fallen away, more and more new faces arrive at our food bank. The amount of children we serve through our food bank more than doubled from September 2022 to August 2023. We need cash in people's pockets - through increases in Ontario Works, ODSP and through decent work - to get us out of this crisis of affordability. #foodsecurity #poverty #foodinflation #onpoli https://lnkd.in/e4kdCkHe

"There are four times more food charities in the country than grocery stores, according to the food charity Second Harvest. Those who work in the sector recognize giving out food doesn’t solve the fundamental problem that drives people to use food charities in the first place—the problem of not having enough money. ...Insufficient government support is keeping society’s poorest, including those on social assistance, from climbing out of poverty. The amount of money that people receive on disability can put them as much as around $1,000 a month below the poverty line, he said. And they often don’t have much of a cushion to fall back on. Ontarians must show they are in financial need and have assets that are within certain allowable limits to be eligible for Ontario Works or ODSP. Food charities don’t convert anyone who is food insecure to being food secure. the country has a huge policy framework failure." Your regular reminder that more food banks won't solve food insecurity. This is clearly an income problem. Poverty is a government policy choice. #EndDisabilityPoverty #BudgetTheBenefit https://lnkd.in/gUnBNsHD

Totally digging this new take on Wasted Food from the EPA, prioritzing actions that prevent and divert food waste. Prevention, donation, and upcycling keep food in its original, intended lane: feeding people. https://lnkd.in/g-5-zHPB

Check out this new article about efforts of food rescue with the Final Four. #fooddonation #partnerships #finalfour

At Washington Community Market, we're continually inspired by individuals making a difference in our community. Today, we're thrilled to introduce you to a culinary visionary, TJ Conwi, whose remarkable work in food security deserves the spotlight. TJ Conwi's journey revolves around food. Growing up in a culture where "Did you already eat?" is a common greeting, food has always been central to his life. He's not just a chef but also a food saviour. Featured in The Interceptors, a documentary, he showcases his work with Ono Vancouver, a kitchen consulting company, and the Vancouver Food Runners. Together, they bridge the gap between food waste and food insecurity, proving that food can bring people together. As a chef, he witnessed the wasteful disposal of food before the era of compost bins. TJ's hope is that a new generation will be inspired to tackle food waste. TJ's latest venture, ReRoot, sells frozen pre-packaged meals by the pound, available online and at local businesses. The funds raised are dedicated to making meals for those facing food insecurity, with each frozen meal providing nourishment to approximately 10 people. This program is an extension of TJ's work, which started during the pandemic. Ono Vancouver has typically served between 1,200 to 1,500 meals a week to Vancouver residents facing food insecurity. However, the number of meals fluctuates due to inconsistent funding, even though they operate from the Coho Commissary, where they receive invaluable support. Despite the challenges, TJ's team has been able to prepare nearly 3,000 meals a week, thanks to funding from La Tablée des Chefs. The fluctuation in meal numbers isn't solely about funding but also about the ingredients available and their creative use. Recent donations, including 800 pounds of salmon and 20 cases of eggplant, have made a substantial impact. These ingredients, combined with donated soy milk, apple juice, and assorted vegetables, have been transformed into hearty dishes, stews, and curries. TJ Conwi's journey highlights the importance of food sustainability and the incredible potential to combat food waste while ensuring that no one goes hungry. Source [https://lnkd.in/gmSq8uMp] Photo credit: Ben Cox and Mike Johnston Georgia Straight Article written by: Bridget Stringer-Holden for the Georgia Straight #FoodSustainability #CommunitySupport #NourishingChange

It is obvious Greener Village is operated in the heart of a community so committed to doing good to humanity. With the average spending on food for a family of 4 projected to go as high as $16,297.20 in 2024 (https://lnkd.in/g-KHp8FH), it is only important to use a collaborative effort to pull through. A 73% fundraising target achievement with the Government of New Brunswick / Gouvernement du Nouveau-Brunswick committing almost $1m in support is a huge step. I am optimistic every province/region/state/nation will adopt a similar or even better forward-thinking approach in the fight to eliminate food poverty. #THRIVECampaign #FoodForThought #FoodRescue #CommunityImpact #SoldOut #GreenerVillage

Rising grocery prices are affecting food bank donations. Stay informed about the challenges and ongoing efforts. Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/eKKivKw4 #GroceryPrices #FoodBankDonations #CommunitySupport #AgriculturalNews