EPA Recognizes 18 Universities for Food Waste Reduction

EPA Press Release:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  November 13, 2012

MEDIA CONTACT:  David Yogi, yogi.david@epa.gov, (415) 972-3350 

***MEDIA ADVISORY***

EPA Recognizes 18 Universities for Food Waste Reduction

Ceremony at UC Berkeley to announce participation in EPA’s Food Recovery Challenge

SAN FRANCISCO – In celebration of America Recycles Day 2012 (November 15), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will honor 18 California, Nevada, Arizona, and Guam universities for their participation in the EPA’s Food Recovery Challenge.  The Food Recovery Challenge is a voluntary program that aims to limit wasted excess food nationwide through donations to charity, reducing consumption, and increasing composting.

An honor ceremony at the University of California, Berkeley, campus will be held on November 15, and will include a tour to follow of the university’s student-led composting network and innovative LeanPath computerized food waste tracking system.  The LeanPath system provides real time data to avoid food waste and save money. The tour will provide a behind-the-scenes look at UC Berkeley’s innovative approach to food management.

Media Kit:  http://www.epa.gov/region9/mediacenter/foodrecovery/

Primary Visuals:     Walk-through of waste diversion and recycling network

                                Demonstration of LeanPath food waste tracking system

                               Honor ceremony with representatives from state and federal agencies        

Who:        Jared Blumenfeld, Regional Administrator, U.S. EPA Pacific Southwest

               Kyle Pogue, Division Director, State of California Materials Management and Local Assistance

               Gary Wolff, Executive Director, Alameda County Waste Management Authority (StopWaste.org)

                Michael Laux, Associate Director, UC Berkeley Housing & Dining Services

                Lisa McNeilly, Director, UC Berkeley Office of Sustainability

What:      Tour of waste minimization practices in the dining facility
                Demonstration of food waste tracking system

                Honor ceremony announcing 18 schools participating in program           

When:      November 15, 2012, 10:00-11:00 a.m.

Where:    UC Berkeley Crossroads Dining Hall

                2415 Bowditch Street, Berkeley, CA 94720 (map)

For more information on the Food Recovery Challenge, visit:  http://www.epa.gov/foodrecoverychallenge/         

###