In a bustling city like Memphis, where flavors flourish and culinary scenes thrive, mitigating food waste is gaining momentum for restaurants. As a participant in Project Green Fork’s 901 Save the Food Restaurant Challenge, Mad Grocer & Deli is reshaping how food is valued and utilized.
Instead of following the common script of discarding short-date items, Mad Grocer altered its approach by placing these items on sale. They are also repurposing surplus ingredients and reimagining portion sizes, creating a long-term shift in the restaurant’s habits. Staff training has also become a pivotal point, instilling a new ethos of minimizing waste, from proper handling to efficient portion control. It’s these upstream tactics that are changing the game, offering a glimpse into a more sustainable future.
Mad Grocer’s dedication to maximizing use of all edible food is impressive. After the restaurant implemented their food saving strategies, the PGF team performed an assessment of the restaurant’s food waste and found there was little to no remaining product in their back-of-house prep. The Mad Grocer team is extremely mindful and every surplus ingredient that finds its way to Mad Grocer’s kitchen is transformed into delicious dishes. These efforts signify more than a quick fix – they mark an impactful journey toward mitigating food waste in the Mid-South.
The 901 Save the Food Restaurant Challenge is about understanding that a shift in perspective and operational strategies can pave the way for lasting change. This initiative isn’t merely about saving food. It’s also about refining mindsets, redefining norms, and inspiring others to follow suit.
In a city that thrives on its culinary richness, Mad Grocer & Deli stands as an example of how small shifts in approach can yield change. A ripple effect that starts with making every meal count and recognizing the power of every ingredient in creating a more sustainable food landscape. As Mad Grocer continues along its journey, its story shows us that change comes with consistent, intentional steps toward a more environmentally conscious future.
