More Rescued Food Makes Mother Earth Smile

by Evelyn Sacks

If you’re a regular reader of our blogs, you know that Second Helpings Atlanta is an Atlanta-based food rescue organization that works to eliminate hunger. You may not know that we’re also committed to reducing food waste and its negative impact on the environment.

In honor of International Mother Earth Day on April 22, 2019, we offer some food for thought!

• 90 billion pounds of food goes uneaten every year in the United States—about the weight of 123 Empire State Buildings.
• 94% of the food we throw away ends up in landfills or combustion facilities.
• The average American tosses out 225 pounds of food every year.

Rescuing food and getting it onto the tables of those who are food insecure does more than provide needed meals. Reducing food waste also reduces methane emissions from landfills and lowers our carbon footprint. As well, less waste conserves energy and resources by preventing pollution that results from growing, manufacturing, transporting and selling food.

What can you do to reduce food waste and protect Mother Earth?

• Become a Second Helpings Atlanta volunteer driver, or donate food or funds.
• Plan your meals for the week before you go shopping and buy only what you need.
• Make a weekly list of what needs to be used up in the ‘fridge and pantry and plan meals around it.
• Store fruits and vegetables in separate bins to avoid spoilage.

Learn more by contacting SHA Executive Director Joe Labriola today at director@secondhelpings.info.