In this news:
Solana Center for Environmental Innovation and ProduceGood, two Encinitas-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits, are partnering to spread awareness about food waste prevention and edible food donation in the Encinitas area, according to a news release.
The organizations have kicked off a series of monthly events across the city consisting of educational booths sharing food waste prevention tips and hosting produce drop-off sites. So far, over 160 pounds of produce have been gleaned and rescued.
At a time of year when citrus trees are filled with an abundance of fruit in the neighborhoods of Encinitas, residents are encouraged to bring excess produce from residential gardens, orchards, CSA boxes, etc. Donations will be donated directly to local food distribution organizations to feed hungry people in the community.
The next events are scheduled to take place in high-traffic areas in town, including:
–Cardiff Library: March 29, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.–Encinitas Community Park, Encinitas EcoFest: June 1, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Additional events will be scheduled for early summer to be held at Lazy Acres on Encinitas Blvd. and Cardiff Farmers Market.
In the United States, 35% of all food produced is wasted, with 43% of the waste happening at the household level. In addition, the San Diego Hunger Coalition estimates that 1 in 4 (25%) San Diegans experience nutrition insecurity or are unable to provide three nutritious meals per day for themselves and/or their families, the news release stated.
The goal of these events is both to provide education about food waste prevention and to directly provide edible fresh produce to those in need. There are also benefits for the environment, with the potential to prevent more than 127,000 metric tons of greenhouse gases annually by diverting edible organic material from landfills.
“This is a wonderful opportunity for our two organizations to collaborate to prevent edible produce from being landfilled, and instead put that food back into our local community where it is needed,” commented Erin Stone, Solana Center’s education manager, in the news release, in regards to the program.
Do you have fruit trees or a vegetable garden producing more than you can handle? Let Solana Center know and they can connect you with their partner, ProduceGood, who can bring their volunteers to your home to gather and donate the produce to a local food recovery organization. Email education@ to inquire further and to be connected with ProduceGood.
This event series is made possible with support from the City of Encinitas, the news release stated.
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