Restaurants and Retailers Working Group - WNC Food Waste Solutions

Restaurants, Retailers, & Redistributors
Working Group

The Restaurants, Retailers, & Redistributors Working Group is dedicated to identifying and implementing effective food waste reduction strategies for the food service and retail sectors in Western North Carolina. In collaboration with regional food rescue organizations and local food providers, we work to collect data, share insights, and support the efforts of these partners in reducing food waste, redistributing surplus food, and fostering sustainable practices across the community. By engaging with local businesses, we aim to drive systemic change, reduce environmental impact, and improve food security in the region.

Redistribution

Redistribution is focused on compiling resources and creating a community to connect edible food sources that may otherwise be wasted. We aim to find the highest and best use for food surpluses by facilitating local partnerships and identifying and bridging gaps in services.

Ongoing Effort

Highlight positive actions that restaurants, retailers, & redistributors are taking to reduce and redistribute food waste in our community.
Find and share WNC specific statistics to shed light on food waste recovery in our area.
Build a list of resources for ALL who are interested in starting or increasing their food waste recovery program.
Support non-profit organizations in our community who are driving food recovery programs, tackling food waste by redistributing it.
Facilitate community connections to promote the redistribution of food.
Identify any challenges or gaps in resources that are limiting food redistribution and work towards finding solutions.
Brainstorm strategies for systemic change in the food industry.

What We’re Working on Now

Creating a list of resources restaurants and retailers can use to start their food waste recovery program
Creating an interactive map of food waste stakeholder organizations (including producers of and outlets for food waste) in Buncombe and surrounding counties.
Developing a “Green Star” certificate/designation program for businesses and organizations for their efforts in food waste reduction and redistribution.
Supporting other working groups including creating content for the website and blog.

Our Long-Term Goals

Work to bring more food waste & redistribution platforms (such as Too Good To Go & Meal Connect) to WNC
Organize resources that would support feeding food waste to animals instead of being landfilled or composted.
Educate food retailers, restaurants, caterers, and consumers about opportunities to redistribute food and the benefits of this practice.
Participate in the planning and coordination of the next Food Waste Solution Summit.