Food Recovery Network Achieves Milestones in Reducing Hunger and Waste in D.C.
Food Recovery Network Achieves Milestones in Reducing Hunger and Waste in D.C.
The Food Recovery Network (FRN) has made substantial progress in addressing food insecurity and food waste in Washington, D.C. Through a strategic partnership with the Gaylord National Resort and Conference Center, FRN successfully recovered an impressive 67,853 pounds of surplus food over two years. This initiative supports local organizations that are actively combating hunger in the community.
Regina Harmon, Executive Director of FRN, stated, "Our collaboration with Gaylord National Resort has been transformative. In just two years, we've recovered over 67,000 pounds of surplus food. This food has provided the equivalent of over 56,000 meals for those experiencing hunger in our community." This partnership reinforces the significant impact that community collaboration can have on addressing both hunger and sustainability.
The advantages of FRN's efforts extend beyond providing meals. The recovery of surplus food has resulted in significant environmental benefits as well. To put it into perspective, the work done by FRN has saved approximately 7.81 million gallons of water—enough to fill 12 Olympic-sized swimming pools. Additionally, this initiative has helped reduce 43.76 metric tons of CO2 emissions, which is comparable to removing ten cars from the road for an entire year. The outcomes of this partnership showcase the dual benefits of combating hunger while promoting environmental sustainability.
Formally initiated in June of 2023, FRN's partnership with Gaylord National involves bi-weekly pick-ups of surplus food. The culinary team at Gaylord typically saves around 1,200 pounds of perfectly edible food prepared in excess from various meetings and events every two weeks. Each food donation enables FRN to assist multiple hunger relief agencies within the local community.
As the largest student-driven organization in the United States focused on recovering surplus food and alleviating hunger, FRN is fueled by the efforts of over 200 chapters nationwide. Within the Washington, D.C. area alone, three active university chapters at American University, Georgetown University, and George Washington University have collaborated to combat food insecurity. For more than ten years, these chapters have successfully redirected an additional 20,000 pounds of surplus food to support the local community.
This commendable work aligns with several upcoming awareness initiatives, including March 30 (Day of Zero Waste), April 7-13 (Food Waste Prevention Week), April 22 (Earth Day), and April 30 (Stop Food Waste Day). These observances underscore the importance of collective efforts in mitigating food waste.
FRN's achievements stand as a testament to the positive outcomes possible through partnerships and community engagement. With the ongoing commitment to minimize food waste and ensure access to nutritious food for all, the Food Recovery Network continues to shape a more sustainable future for our communities.
For more information about FRN and their impact, visit foodrecoverynetwork.org. To participate in food recovery efforts or to arrange an interview with Executive Director Regina Harmon, please reach out via email at [email protected] or call 708-714-1357.
As a national nonprofit, the Food Recovery Network mobilizes 8,000 college students, food providers, and local businesses in the efforts against climate change and hunger. Through their comprehensive programs, they recuperate perishable food throughout the supply chain that would otherwise go to waste, redirecting it to organizations that feed people facing hunger. With nearly 200 college campuses and 100 food businesses involved across 46 states and Washington, D.C., FRN has recovered over 22.9 million pounds of food to date—equivalent to 19 million meals donated to those in need. Remarkably, their efforts have also prevented 7,419.5 metric tons of CO2 emissions from entering the atmosphere.
Join FRN in their quest to end hunger and reduce food waste, making a lasting difference in our communities.
Topics Policy & Public Interest）
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