EPA Recognizes NHL’s Nashville Predators as an Outstanding Food Recovery Challenge Participant

From EPA:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 29, 2015

EPA Recognizes NHL’s Nashville Predators as an Outstanding Food Recovery Challenge Participant

Food Recovery Challenge Participants Alone Diverted 370,000 Tons of Wasted Food from Landfills

Contact: Jason McDonald, 404-562-9203, mcdonald.jason@epa.gov

ATLANTA — On Wednesday, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recognizes the accomplishments of the Nashville Predators of the National Hockey League (NHL) as well as other organizations and businesses that participated in EPA's Food Recovery Challenge. Participants in the program were successful in reducing their climate footprint, improving efficiency, helping communities and achieving cost savings through waste reduction. The program saves money, protects the environment and feeds the hungry.

“In 2013, EPA's Food Recovery Challenge participants diverted more than 370,000 tons of wasted food from entering landfills or incinerators. Of this total, more than 36,000 tons of food was donated to feed people in need, which equates to nearly 56 million meals,” said Mathy Stanislaus, assistant administrator for EPA's Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response. “I commend the efforts of our award winners and encourage others to follow their lead by joining the Food Recovery Challenge. These leaders demonstrate that protecting the environment, saving money and feeding the hungry can go hand in hand.”

The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates that wasted food costs America more than $165 billion annually and that the average family of four throws away $1,600 of food each year. The Food Recovery Challenge participants and endorsers, through innovation and hard work, have greatly reduced wasted food. Food pantries, food rescue programs, local food banks, soup kitchens and shelters are benefitting from donations of wholesome and nutritious food — helping feed people, not landfills.

EPA presented 23 awards to Food Recovery Challenge participants and endorsers in two categories: data-driven and narrative. The Predators, who play their home contests at the Bridgestone Arena, were the Facility Winner in the Sports Venue category. The data-driven award recipients achieved the highest percentage of wasted food diversion and prevention. The narrative award winners excelled in areas of source reduction, leadership, innovation, education and outreach, and endorsement.

Food Recovery Challenge participants include groups such as grocers, educational institutions, sports and entertainment venues, and hospitality businesses. Participants are not only benefitting their bottom line, they are reducing hunger through innovative community partnerships.  

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

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