# Much of the food waste sent to landfills is not waste at all but actually safe, wholesome food that could potentially feed millions

- Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/12/much-of-the-food-waste-sent-to-landfills-is-not-waste-at-all-but-actually-safe-wholesome-food-that-could-potentially-feed-millions/
- Published: 2011-12-03T03:58:22-05:00
- Author: greenlivingguy

PHILADELPHIA (November 29, 2011) — On November 30, 2011, the U.S. Environmental 
Protection Agency and the Institute for Local Self-Reliance held a Food Recovery
Workshop at the Capital Union Building on Penn State University’s Harrisburg Campus.

 

Surplus food is second only to paper in materials sent to landfills. Much of this“
waste” is not waste at all, but actually safe, wholesome food that could potentially
feed millions of Americans. Only three percent is currently being diverted to hunger
relief organizations or for other uses.

EPA showcased the agency’s [Food Recovery Challenge](https://greenlivingguy.com/2017/11/food-recovery-challenge-waste-cut-xanterra-parks-resorts-earns-award/),
a sustainable materials management initiative, which challenges participants to 
reduce disposal of as much of their surplus food as possible — saving money, helping
communities, and protecting the environment.

The daylong workshop provided information on how to increase the amount of consumable
surplus foods provided to food banks and non-consumables food to composters. Professionals
in the grocery, retail, food bank, composting, and associated government agencies
are encouraged to attend.  This workshop included sessions on best practices with
respect to managing surplus food and updates on regional and national food recovery
trends.

Featured speakers included representatives from the Pennsylvania Food Merchants 
Association, Pennsylvania Recycling Markets Center, Feeding America, the Pennsylvania
Department of Environmental Protection, food bank associations, grocers, and EPA.

**_Source: EPA’s Food Recovery Challenge go to: [http://www.epa.gov/wastes/partnerships/wastewise/challenge/foodrecovery/index.htm](http://www.epa.gov/wastes/partnerships/wastewise/challenge/foodrecovery/index.htm)_**

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