This week, the Waste Not OC Coalition was honored on the floor of the House of Representatives for its “profound impact” in helping to end hunger and reduce food waste. This year alone, the Waste Not OC Coalition has recovered over 8.8 million pounds of excess food equaling over 7 million meals using their nationally recognized model.
The Public/Private coalition was formed in 2012 with it’s partners consisting of the county Health Care Agency, cities, trash hauling firms, both county food banks, the food industry, Yellow Cab of Orange County and over 200 food pantries serving the nearly 315,000 people in Orange County suffering from food insecurity. With financial support from the United Way of Orange County and the unanimous support of the Orange County Board of Supervisors, the coalition is working to eliminate hunger and comply with state laws mandating a reduction in organic waste going into landfills.
The Waste Not OC Coalition model uses health care inspectors and food industry professionals to inform and educate restaurants, grocery stores, school districts and entertainment venues of state and federal laws that allow for donation of excess wholesome food.
A tech platform is used to identify and match available food with local pantries for distribution using the same food safety steps required when handling food for profit. To further reduce food waste, bulk food may be directed to a ‘food recovery kitchen’ where it is re-purposed or repackaged into wholesome meals with extended shelf life greatly reducing food waste at the pantry level.
To view the Congressional Record click here or for more information on the Waste Not OC Model to end hunger and reduce waste, visit www.wastenotoc.org or call 855.700.9662.
They are getting widespread support for their coalition partners from a cross section of the food industry, including chain operators such as:
- Cheesecake Factory
- Patina Restaurant Group
- Panera Bread
- Starbucks
INDEPENDENT OPERATORS:
- Katella Grill
- Kenos
- Wiseguys Pizza
RETAIL GROCERS:
- Northgate Markets
- Sprouts
- Whole Foods
- Albertsons
HOSPITALS:
- Kaiser Medical Centers
- Global Medical Centers
- Mission Hospital
ENTERTAINMENT VENUES:
- Honda Center
- Anaheim Convention Center
- Dodger Stadium
SCHOOL DISTRICTS:
- Each OC School District
DISTRIBUTORS:
- Sysco
- US Foods
- Freshpoint
- Fieldsource
- LA/SF Specialty
- Swift Produce
Manufacturers/Brokers:
- Cambro
- Fischer Group
- Tri Mark
They are always looking for partners.
If you are a permitted food service establishment, in the transportation/logistics, healthcare, marketing, environmental services industries or are a nonprofit food provider, Waste Not OC has a way you can help us end hunger and they would love to hear from you.
