In the bustling arenas of Oklahoma City, Aneshai Smith, the founder and CEO of Go See The City, has embarked on a mission to ensure that no food goes to waste. With the creation of the Hariet.AI platform, Smith is pioneering a movement to divert excess food from sports events to local nonprofits. This initiative is a cornerstone of the company's Zero Waste food diversion program, which seeks to bridge the gap between abundance and need.
Smith's innovative approach leverages technology to streamline the process of connecting food donors with charitable organizations. This not only maximizes the utility of surplus food but also supports the community in a meaningful way.
The collaboration between Go See The City and The Levy Restaurant Group has propelled the Zero Waste initiative to new heights. This partnership has enabled the redistribution of leftover food from the Paycom Center Arena, the stomping ground of the Oklahoma City Thunder, to individuals and families who could benefit from it the most.
Following a high-stakes game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Dallas Mavericks, the initiative saw a significant amount of food redirected to those in need, demonstrating the power of teamwork beyond the basketball court.
The University of Oklahoma's spring football game at the Memorial Stadium became a landmark event for the Zero Waste initiative, with a staggering 299 pounds of food being donated. This record-breaking contribution was shared between two deserving charities, setting a new standard for the potential impact of such programs.
The substantial donation underscores the initiative's capacity for making a tangible difference in the fight against hunger.
Mark Mabry, the senior executive chef at Levy Restaurant Group, brings his culinary expertise to the table by working closely with chefs to anticipate food requirements and minimize overproduction. His commitment to educating others on repurposing food scraps and leftovers is a testament to the group's dedication to social responsibility.
Despite efforts to forecast and manage food needs, surplus is sometimes inevitable. Mabry has embraced the partnership with Go See The City as an opportunity to further the cause of waste reduction and food reuse.
Amy Willoughby from Michigan Avenue Baptist Church is one of the beneficiaries of the donated food, which has been a boon for the Chickasha community. The church has been able to serve up to 1,000 meals from previous donations, highlighting the profound impact of the initiative on local communities.
The church has extended its outreach, providing meals to children, families in need, and the homeless, thanks to the generosity of the program.
Maya Fiallos, spokesperson for Go See The City, emphasizes the timeliness of the Zero Waste initiative, aligning with the U.S.D.A.'s ambitious goal to halve food waste by 2030. Smith's platform is not just a response to a pressing environmental issue but also a proactive step towards a more sustainable future.
For those interested in learning more about Go See The City and its efforts to reduce food waste, further information is available on their website.