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 |
Past & Upcoming Meetings
Date: Thursday, October 2nd
Time: 5-6pm EST
Location: Virtual. You can register for our meeting on Teams here.
Description: This meeting will be a 🍏🍎 special Back to School session🍏🍎 featuring a lightning round of short talks from partners working to reduce wasted food in the DC school system! We will hear from school staff about food recovery and donations from DC schools, community food pantries, and more!
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!
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!
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.
Co-Chairs
Erika Nunez, Department of General Services
Rachel Manning, Department of Public Works
