Metro Vancouver estimates 13,000 tonnes of healthy, edible food is thrown out in the region’s transfer stations each year.
Food rotting in the landfill creates methane, a powerful greenhouse gas. It is also wasteful in terms of the time, water and energy resources used to grow, process, package, and transport food.
Minimizing the amount of food we throw out will help reduce methane at the landfill, save on costs to manage food waste, and potentially help people who are in need.
Tips for food related businesses
To minimize food waste at your business:
- Conduct a waste audit to understand the amount and source of waste being generated
- Set a target for waste reduction and a plan to achieve the target
- Implement standard operating procedures for staff
- Improve storage and preparation practices
- Collaborate with suppliers to revise procurement procedures and minimize overstocking
- Encourage staff to reduce food waste through frequent updates
- Develop a policy on waste reduction
- Donate extra food to local food distribution organizations
Food donations
A survey done by Vancouver Coastal Health in 2014 shows almost 10% of Vancouverites have reported being food insecure. That means at some point in the year, they had difficulty accessing safe, healthy food.
Donating food to organizations that provide free or low-cost meals is a great way to help reduce food waste and provide short-term assistance to people in need.
Tips to make the most of your donation
Consider the following before you donate food.
Organizations offering free or low-cost meals
Please contact organizations ahead of time to ensure your food donation can be used.
