Waste assessments and training sessions offer tangible resources for reducing food waste
MEMPHIS, Tennessee, September 5, 2023 – Project Green Fork (PGF), a program of Clean Memphis that fosters sustainability within the Mid-South’s culinary landscape, today announced the launch of 901 Save the Food Challenge. Through this initiative, PGF is collaborating with local restaurants to help reduce food waste and promote sustainable practices throughout the community.
According to recent studies, nearly 40% of food in the U.S. goes uneaten, ending up in landfills and generating harmful greenhouse gas emissions. The 901 Save the Food Challenge seeks to combat this by engaging local restaurants and providing them with resources and support to effectively curb their food waste – a pressing issue that not only impacts the environment, but also contributes to hunger and food insecurity.
“Working within the Vollintine Evergreen, Evergreen, and Crosstown neighborhoods, we’ve already collaborated with seven restaurants on their initial waste assessments,” said Leann Edwards, Project Green Fork Program Manager. “Using these findings, we’re providing best practices and new strategies for updating their food waste management – such as improving inventory management systems, modifying portion sizes, and implementing composting or donation programs for surplus food.”
By taking part in the challenge, local restaurants will play a crucial role in combating food waste, as well as benefit from cost savings and showcase their commitment to reducing waste and making a positive impact on their community and the environment. As part of the initial assessment, PGF will sort through one day’s worth of collected waste bags to learn about their composition. Restaurants will receive a report and photographs showing how much and what types of waste is being generated and diverted.
To sign up for and learn more about the 901 Save the Food Challenge, click here. Participating restaurants will receive access to a range of tools, resources, and expert guidance to help them implement effective strategies for reducing food waste.
About Project Green Fork
A program of Clean Memphis, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, Project Green Fork fosters sustainability within the Mid-South’s culinary landscape. Committed to reducing environmental impact, the program collaborates with local restaurants and community organizations to curb food waste and implement sustainable practices. Through comprehensive assessments and practical solutions, Project Green Fork provides communities with education and operational support to reduce food waste and reshape the local food system. To learn more, visit www.projectgreenfork.org.
# # #
