Montgomery County is recognizing Food Waste Prevention Week, September 28 through October 4, by highlighting efforts to reduce food waste, recover edible food and address food insecurity.
According to the Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), nearly 95,000 tons of food scraps are thrown in the trash in the county each year. Some of that food from grocery stores, restaurants and other businesses remains safe to eat and could instead be distributed to residents experiencing food insecurity.
More than a dozen food assistance organizations in Montgomery County currently work with businesses and other donors to recover surplus food. The County has also provided grants for equipment such as refrigerated vehicles and cold storage to help organizations safely collect and distribute perishable food.
Residents are encouraged to reduce food waste by planning purchases before shopping, properly storing food, using leftovers in future meals, serving smaller portions and donating consumable food to food rescue organizations, pantries and shelters.
The County’s Office of Food Systems Resilience, DEP and Montgomery County Food Council are coordinating Food Waste Prevention Week activities with community organizations throughout the week.
