# Oregon State University Gets Grant Reducing Food Waste

- Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2017/12/oregon-state-university-receives-grant-reduce-food-waste/
- Published: 2017-12-15T03:48:23-05:00
- Author: greenlivingguy

So congratulations for Oregon State University. The Oregon Department of Environmental
Quality’s Materials Management program has awarded Oregon State University.

Can you say with a $27,372 grant?

All to help the university reduce food waste.

That’s by 10 percent at [Oregon State](https://greenlivingguy.com/2017/09/usa-fully-electric-car-sales-up-47-in-2017-says-cleantechnica/)
University- Corvallis campus.

#### Oregon State University – Corvallis Campus

The money for Oregon State University will also be used to institute a new computer
program. One located in the dining halls and called [LeanPath](https://www.leanpath.com/).

As I have [written](https://greenlivingguy.com/2020/11/the-importance-of-food-recycling/)
before:

With the current situation of the environment today, it’s only ideal for everyone
to start contributing in efforts to save it. There have been a lot of campaigns 
about save the earth. For that’s such as using less plastic or [recycling plastic](https://greenlivingguy.com/2013/08/arizona-desert-conservation-efforts-explained/)
bottles. Food recycling is another way to conserve resources. It’s a natural way
to turn food waste into usable products.

Food waste includes all the edible and non-edible parts of food. For that’s including
partially digested leftovers, spoiled fruits or vegetables. Also animal products
such as milk, cheese and or other dairy products.

There are various kinds of recycling programs. Those that can be carried out to 
turn [waste food into valuable and eco-friendly](https://greenlivingguy.com/2022/12/daniel-silverstein-collection-inspired-by-fran-drescher/)
products. That’s such as fertilizer, vegetable oil. Also biodiesel, and paper. Recycling
programs are also being undertaken by many governments, private, and non-profit 
organizations to reduce and manage food waste.

Also to educate everyone about the importance.

Whether we talk about regular households, companies or even restaurants. For it’s
vital that you include as many people as possible. That’s all in the process of 
trying to minimize food waste. You can run a test. I mean and then collect all the
food you’d waste over a period of one week.

Then you can also calculate how much money you’ll be [wasting](https://greenlivingguy.com/2017/05/reducing-and-managing-food-waste/).
Make sure everyone else also finds out about the amount. Also, you should raise 
their awareness. Especially about the impact on the environment to help the cause.

#### Cutting Edge Technology for Oregon State University

The system uses cutting-edge technology. All to track food waste. That’s by amount.
Then type, cause and cost.

The information can be used by staff. All to pinpoint where to make adjustments.
Also and prevent future waste.

#### LeanPath with Oregon State University

Portland-based LeanPath created technology for commercial kitchens. That’s including
scales, cameras and a touchscreen user interface. LeanPath is also used in universities.
In addition on cruise ships, and at other large scale operations. Data reveals where
the company should adjust purchasing. Moreover production, menus and staff training
to prevent waste in the future.

![Oregon State University. The information can be used by staff to pinpoint where
to make adjustments. Also and prevent future waste. Portland-based LeanPath created
technology for commercial kitchens. That's including scales, cameras and a touchscreen
user interface. LeanPath is also used in universities. In addition on cruise ships,
and at other large scale operations. Data reveals where the company should adjust
purchasing. Moreover production, menus and staff training to prevent waste in the
future.](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/img_3103.
jpg?resize=420%2C280&quality=52&ssl=1)

Chris Anderson with University Housing & Dining Services (UHDS). He said it’s difficult
to currently measure the university’s level of food waste from dining halls. However
he also estimates it to be between 200,000 and 250,000 pounds annually. The new 
technology is also expected to allow UHDS to decrease expenditures. I mean on food
purchases. Also to reduce pick-ups of  organic waste by Republic Service. Finally
and reduce food donations to Linn-Benton Food Rescue.

In addition, Anderson said LeanPath will provide staff with a mechanism. That’s 
to weigh, photograph and report on all wasted food.

#### Food Waste Visuals for Oregon State University

So LeanPath provides a tool to be able to pull reports and visuals. **

All that demonstrates wasted food very locally. Also they like by each food-service
platform per dining center. Especially in units that can be equalized. For that’s
so administrators and managers are able to evaluate and generate efficiencies. All
through menu adjustments. As well as operational changes.

#### The equipment should be implemented by July 2018.

In conclusion, UHDS has worked towards reducing wasted food for decades. Among the
changes to the traditional dining hall model were moving to an ala carte pricing
structure. One that encourages customers to take what they intend to consume. Thereby
providing tray-less service. Especially when applicable. So partnering with the 
Linn-Benton Food Rescue and encouraging staff to cook items. Yes folks: on demand.
Anderson believes LeanPath will be a further step in that effort.

12-12-17

By: Theresa Hogue, [541-737-0786](https://greenlivingguy.com/2017/12/oregon-state-university-receives-grant-reduce-food-waste/541-737-0786);
[theresa.hogue@oregonstate.edu](https://greenlivingguy.com/2017/12/oregon-state-university-receives-grant-reduce-food-waste/theresa.hogue@oregonstate.edu)

Source: Christopher Anderson, [541-737-2885](https://greenlivingguy.com/2017/12/oregon-state-university-receives-grant-reduce-food-waste/541-737-2885);
[chris.anderson@oregonstate.edu](https://greenlivingguy.com/2017/12/oregon-state-university-receives-grant-reduce-food-waste/chris.anderson@oregonstate.edu)

This release is available at: [http://bit.ly/2jCNV7L](http://bit.ly/2jCNV7L)

Photo available at: [https://www.flickr.com/photos/oregonstateuniversity/3587343666/](https://www.flickr.com/photos/oregonstateuniversity/3587343666/)

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 greenlivingguy

 The Green Living Guy, Seth Leitman is an independent power producer, a green living
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