I'm impressed with the work that you are doing. You mention how crucial partnerships are to the success of foodbanking. Can you tell me more about how you are working with the wholesalers and food establishments to collect their food? I know that a major concern is liability. Are you able to collect items that are still good but may be past their sell by date? What about produce? Do you have a refrigerated truck to make the pickups? Is there any way they can engage the community that is receiving the food? Rather than just giving it for free? A pay it forward kind of thing? How do you seek to have an impact on public policy?
I've been passionate about the issue of food waste for many years. The other night I went to Trader Joe's tonight to pick up food for a local food assistance center. I wasn't allowed to take any of the produce that was "spoiled" like apples, oranges, strawberries, peppers, etc and thus I loaded the car with 9 huge bags of bread. It is crazy that in a country where 50 million people are hungry we discard 96 billion pounds of food each year. This system needs changing and I've been brainstorming about a way to develop a sustainable business model to address this incredible waste issue. It seems like you're onto something.
How have you dealt with the liability issues? What have been your biggest challenges to receiving "leftovers" or "spoils"? I would love to hear your thoughts and learn more about your model.
Hi David,
One of the great things about this competition is reading about the innovative ways that organizations are addressing a number of community needs simultaneously. Have you had a chance to take a look at some of the other entries? I think you'll find a number of ideas that directly relate to Vermont Foodbank's goals....
All the best,
Alexis
Comments
Dear David,
I'm impressed with the work that you are doing. You mention how crucial partnerships are to the success of foodbanking. Can you tell me more about how you are working with the wholesalers and food establishments to collect their food? I know that a major concern is liability. Are you able to collect items that are still good but may be past their sell by date? What about produce? Do you have a refrigerated truck to make the pickups? Is there any way they can engage the community that is receiving the food? Rather than just giving it for free? A pay it forward kind of thing? How do you seek to have an impact on public policy?
I've been passionate about the issue of food waste for many years. The other night I went to Trader Joe's tonight to pick up food for a local food assistance center. I wasn't allowed to take any of the produce that was "spoiled" like apples, oranges, strawberries, peppers, etc and thus I loaded the car with 9 huge bags of bread. It is crazy that in a country where 50 million people are hungry we discard 96 billion pounds of food each year. This system needs changing and I've been brainstorming about a way to develop a sustainable business model to address this incredible waste issue. It seems like you're onto something.
How have you dealt with the liability issues? What have been your biggest challenges to receiving "leftovers" or "spoils"? I would love to hear your thoughts and learn more about your model.
Have you heard of Slow Money: http://www.slowmoneyalliance.org/ - this could be a source of funding in the future.
Thanks and keep up the great work.
Dana Frasz
dfrasz@ashoka.org
Ashoka's Changemakers
Hi David,
One of the great things about this competition is reading about the innovative ways that organizations are addressing a number of community needs simultaneously. Have you had a chance to take a look at some of the other entries? I think you'll find a number of ideas that directly relate to Vermont Foodbank's goals....
All the best,
Alexis
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