Transforming Food Waste into Community Impact: Waste Less Solutions Expands Reach in Summit County

In a groundbreaking move, the nonprofit organization Waste Less Solutions is expanding its operations into Summit County, Utah, with the support of the Park City Community Foundation. This expansion is part of the foundation's ambitious Zero Food Waste initiative, which aims to divert all food waste from local landfills by 2030. The partnership between Waste Less Solutions and the Park City Community Foundation promises to make a significant impact on the community, addressing both environmental concerns and food insecurity.

Empowering Communities to Reduce Food Waste and Fight Hunger

Tackling Food Waste at the Source

Waste Less Solutions, founded in 2018 by CEO Dana Williamson, has already made a remarkable impact in other counties by focusing on educating the public about food waste, preventing it at the source, and redistributing surplus food to those in need. The organization's innovative approach has proven to be a game-changer in the fight against food waste and its environmental consequences.Through strategic partnerships with local groups, such as the Christian Center and food banks, Waste Less Solutions coordinates the collection and distribution of excess food using the Food Rescue US app. This app connects volunteers with businesses and event organizers who have surplus food, ensuring that it is delivered to nonprofits that serve food-insecure individuals."I am really excited to expand into Park City and Summit County," Williamson said. "This community has already shown a deep commitment to reducing food waste, and we're ready to jump in and support that effort using our food rescue model."

Addressing Food Insecurity and Environmental Impact

Food waste is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, and it is estimated that nearly one-third of all food waste occurs at the retail, event, and restaurant levels. Meanwhile, approximately 400,000 people in Utah face food insecurity. The expansion of Waste Less Solutions into Summit County will play a crucial role in diverting surplus edible food away from landfills and into the hands of those who need it most."Food waste is one of the leading contributors to greenhouse gases," Williamson said. "By addressing food waste, we can make a significant environmental impact while also helping those in need."

Collaborative Efforts for Sustainable Change

The Park City Community Foundation's Zero Food Waste initiative, which includes a curbside collection program for food waste in the 84060 and 84098 zip codes, will complement the efforts of Waste Less Solutions. The foundation's CEO, Joel Zarrow, emphasizes the importance of a collaborative approach to achieve systematic change."We need everyone to be all in on this goal, including residents, businesses, and local government officials," Zarrow said. "Systematic change doesn't happen overnight, but working with organizations like Waste Less Solutions gets us closer to a sustainable future."While the full implementation of Waste Less Solutions' operations in Summit County will take time to develop, the organization is ready to begin its work. Community members interested in donating, volunteering, or learning about open positions can visit the organization's website at wastelesssolutions.org.The partnership between Waste Less Solutions and the Park City Community Foundation represents a significant step forward in the fight against food waste and food insecurity. By leveraging their collective expertise and resources, these organizations are poised to make a lasting impact on the community, paving the way for a more sustainable and equitable future.