Sustainability

Rescuing Food, Reducing Waste

Local Partnerships

Your Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank plays a vital role in local sustainability efforts within our community. In partnering with local farmers, retailers and manufacturers, the Foodbank helped rescue and distribute more than 30 million pounds of food in 2022. Rescuing perfectly edible, nourishing food, that would otherwise go to waste, means feeding families facing hunger and taking a large step in protecting our planet and conserving our resources.
 

Excessive Food Waste

Each year, 119 billion pounds of food is wasted and ends up in landfills and incinerators every year across the country. That equates to 130 billion meals and more than $408 billion in food thrown away each year. Nearly 40% of all food in America is wasted.* There is enough food in the U.S. to feed every hungry person, but it goes to waste.
 

Green Solution to Hunger

A variety of private and public agencies agree, reducing food waste must be a top priority for protecting our environment. The amount of land, fresh water and energy consumed in the production of food that is never eaten, is staggering. 

According to the Global FoodBanking Network (GFN), food banks operating in dozens of countries help mitigate an estimated 12 billion kilograms of greenhouse gases per year. The report highlights the large-scale environmental impact of food banks diverting food from landfills that contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, which then affect climate change.**
 

How You Can Help

Hunger is a solvable problem. More than enough food is produced in the world to feed everyone. With your support, your Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank will continue to move the needle toward a thriving community free of hunger, while positively impacting our environment.

  • Support Your Foodbank. Food rescue takes time and money. Please consider making a financial contribution to your Foodbank or volunteering in our warehouse.
  • Less than Perfect Produce. Purchase imperfect produce to send a strong message to your local supermarket that beauty ISN’T skin deep.
  • Reduce your Waste. Plan, prep and store meals to reduce your family’s food waste. Learn more.
  • Consider Composting. Consider composting your food waste. Learn More.

 

SOURCES:
* https://www.feedingamerica.org/our-work/our-approach/reduce-food-waste
** https://www.foodbanking.org/what-we-do/reducing-food-loss-and-waste/