Developing & Delivering a Food Too Good to Waste Program

Krystal Noiseux,Vice ChairRhode Island Food Policy Council

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RI Food Policy Council

We Are:• A statewide collaboration of

diverse, committed and engaged stakeholders from all sectors of the food system

Our Mission:• Create partnerships, develop

policies and advocate for improvements to the local food system to increase and expand its capacity, viability and sustainability.

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Environment Work GroupGoal:• To see Rhode Island’s food

system cultivate a healthy environment by striving for zero waste, adopting ecologically sound practices and ensuring healthy working conditions.

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EPA Food Recovery Hierarchy

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Research shows that...Total Household

Food and Drink Waste

Always Inedible Once EdibleSometimes

Inedible

Prepared or Served Too Much

Not Used in Time Other

> 5%

~ 64%! ~ 18%~ 18%

~ 55%~ 40%

RHODE ISLANDPILOT

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Pilot FundingEPA:• $3000• 3 staff (100 hours)

RIFPC:• $3000• Printing (Tools for participants)• Incentives (Scales, containers, gift cards)• Food (Light fare served at all events)

$6K

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4 Pilot Groups

Different demographics:

• The “Friendlies”• RIFPC email list• The Promenade

Apartments• Providence Housing

Authority

INITIAL MEETING:FORMING A BASELINE(GET SMART)

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WORKSHOP: STRATEGIES TO REDUCE FOOD WASTE

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1. SMART SHOPPING

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2. SMART STORAGE

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4. SMART PREP

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5. SMART SAVINGS

FOUR WEEKS…RESULTS / DEBRIEF

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Week

Poun

ds o

f Pre

vent

able

Foo

d W

aste

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Week

Num

ber o

f fille

d co

ntai

ners

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RIPR Coverage

ripr.org/post/learning-reduce-food-waste

NEXT STEPS:RHODE ISLAND

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EPA Healthy Communities

• $25,000 grant • 5 community

partners• Build FTGTW skills

into existing programs

NEXT STEPS:NATIONAL CAMPAIGN

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National Campaign• Toolkit presently posted at

http://westcoastclimateforum.com/food

• Toolkit will eventually be posted to www.epa.gov/smm

• EPA coordinating with USDA, and other organizations for scale-up to a national awareness campaign

TO LEARN MORE…

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Krystal Noiseuxkrystal@rifoodcouncil.org

knoiseux@rirrc.org401-942-1430 x109