New Jersey is taking bold steps to combat food waste and food insecurity through innovative partnerships and policies. During a recent Senate Environment and Energy meeting, key stakeholders discussed the urgent need for robust strategies to reduce food waste, as outlined in the Food Waste Reduction Act.

One of the standout initiatives presented was the Meal Recovery Coalition, a collaborative effort led by Share My Meals, which aims to make meal recovery the norm in New Jersey. Karen Lemon, board chair of Share My Meals, emphasized the dual mission of the coalition: to fight food insecurity while addressing the environmental impact of food waste. The coalition connects corporations, hospitals, and educational institutions with nonprofits to deliver healthy meals to those in need, effectively redirecting surplus food that would otherwise end up in landfills.

The coalition's efforts are backed by significant data, revealing that approximately 45,000 tons of food waste in New Jersey consists of prepared meals that were never served. This translates to nearly 75 million meals wasted annually. By targeting just a fraction of this surplus, the coalition aims to recover 5 million meals each year, showcasing a potential return of $14 in benefits for every dollar spent on meal recovery.

Additionally, the meeting highlighted the importance of flexible policies that incentivize businesses to adopt sustainable practices, such as markdown sales and improved inventory management. These measures are crucial for fostering an environment that benefits both consumers and businesses, ultimately leading to a more sustainable future for New Jersey.

As the coalition and its partners work to implement these strategies, the state is poised to make significant strides in reducing food waste and enhancing food security, setting a precedent for other states to follow.