The Reducing Wasted Food Working Group started in 2024, with the addition of ex officio members to the Food Policy Council from the Department of General Services and Department of Public Works.
Working Group Priority: Improve food waste prevention and diversion among residents, and businesses, and District government.
Co-Chairs
Erika Nunez, Department of General Services
Rachel Manning, Department of Public Works
Food Waste Prevention Week Highlight
Food Waste Prevention Week (FWPW) is a national campaign running from September 28 to October 4, 2026, designed to educate and inspire communities to reduce food waste. Below we have highlighted a working group event plus several DC-area events.
Business Community Conversations on Food Waste Solutions in DC (Virtual)
For FWPW, the working group is hosting three listening sessions to engage those working in food-serving businesses in DC with the goal of creating business sector specific toolkits.
- Hotel Edition: Tue, Sept 29 at 11 am – 12 pm. Register
- Grocer Edition: Wed, Sept 30 at 10 – 11 am. Register
- College & University Edition: Thurs, Oct 1 at 11 am – 12 pm. Register
- *Restaurants/Cafes/Bars: No Session, but we encourage staff to take our survey here – DC Food Business Food Waste Prevention Survey
Audience: These sessions are open to all. Staff and management working in food service, sustainability, operations, facilities, purchasing, or related roles are especially encouraged to join!
Can’t make it? Fill out this survey to ensure your thoughts are captured: DC Food Business Food Waste Prevention Survey
Other DC-Area Food Waste Prevention Week Events
- 9/27: Redelicious Food Distribution @ Edgewood Community Farm
- 9/28: Redelicious Cooking Demo: Tomato Sauce Making @ Edgewood Commons 635
- 9/29: Community Conversations on Food Waste Solutions in DC: Hotels (online)
- 9/29: Free Veggie Giveaway @ Edgewood Rooftop Farm
- 9/30: Community Conversations on Food Waste Solutions in DC: Grocers (online)
- 9/30: Food Recovery: Strategies for Success (webinar, Maryland Recycling Network)
- 9/30: Free Veggie Giveaway @ Lederer Garden
- 10/1: Community Conversations on Food Waste Solutions in DC: College & University (online)
- 10/1: Free Veggie Giveaway @ Powell Communal Farm
- 10/2: Food and Farm Fridays @ THEARC
- 10/3: Quick Pickling & Knife Skills 101 Workshop with the Spicy Grasshopper ($, location TBD)
- 10/3: Free Veggie Giveaway @ Lederer Garden
- 10/3: Slow Food DC Farm Tour and Gleaning @ Owl’s Nest Farm
- 10/4: Redelicious Food Distribution @ Edgewood Community Farm
Upcoming Public Working Group Meeting
Date: Thursday, October 14th
Time: 5-6pm EST
Location: Virtual. Meeting Details Below
Join the meeting now
Meeting ID: 291 897 180 156 27
Passcode: Wc7w7PS7
Dial in by phone
+1 202-594-9550,,949717249# United States, Washington
Find a local number
Phone conference ID: 949 717 249#
Past Meeting Materials
Get Involved
We aim to meet at least quarterly to assess progress on annual priorities and build community. Fill out this form to join us!
2024 Successes
| Working Group | District Agencies |
| – Co-developed food waste prevention postcard/handout (find digital download below) – Tabled at 5 food distribution events, engaging approximately 200 residents in conversations around food waste prevention, including sharing scrappy recipe ideas and food storage strategies, and clearing up imperfect produce misconceptions. – Created a DC food waste prevention/diversion resource tracker. – Hosted a tour at GWU showcasing what the University is doing to prevent and divert wasted food | (DPW) Held community listening sessions to identify priority areas food waste drop-off sites and 24/7 access food waste smart bins.(DPW) Piloted food waste smart bin on GWU campus (DGS) Piloted food waste collection at select FEMS sites (DGS) Conducted 130+ site visits at DGS-maintained facilities including waste audits at several DCPS facilities |
Reducing Wasted Food Handout
The DC Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) worked with NRDC to create a postcard mailer that provided cold storage tips to prevent food waste. In partnership with the Department of Public Works (DPW), DOEE distributed this postcard mailers to the 9,000 participating households in the DC Curbside Composting Pilot Program during Food Waste Prevention Week in April 2024.
The DC Food Policy Council (FPC) Reducing Wasted Food Working Group (RWFWG) adapted this postcard mailer into an informational handout with the aim of helping residents make the most of their food. Working with representatives from DOEE, DPW, the Department of General Services (DGS), DC Health, and the Office of Food Policy at the Office of Planning (OP), messaging was adjusted and tailored, and additional food waste prevention and diversion tips were added to the back. Five thousand of these informational cards will be distributed to residents at various community sites and events throughout the District.
Want a digital download or receive physical copies? Request them here:
Additional Resources
Are you a resident, business, or institution interesting in preventing, recovering, and diverting (composting) wasted food? Check out this DC Food Waste Prevention + Diversion Resource Tracker to learn where and how!
