June 6, 2024 - Ann Arbor is launching a new education program to help residents significantly reduce food waste and possibly save money on groceries. The A2ZERO Food Waste Challenge follows a statewide goal by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes & Energy to reduce food waste going to landfills by half by the year 2030.
In collaboration with the local nonprofit, ZeroWaste.Org, the City of Ann Arbor's inaugural A2ZERO Food Waste Challenge is bringing together residents, businesses and local nonprofits like Food Gatherers to reduce food waste.
“The city is excited to be collaborating with ZeroWaste.Org on this effort to reduce food waste in the Ann Arbor community. Our A2ZERO Carbon Neutrality Plan includes a strategy to change the way we use, reuse, and dispose of materials — and that includes food," said City of Ann Arbor Office of Sustainability and Innovations Senior Analyst Sean Reynolds. “Given that reducing food waste is one of the most impactful ways individuals can help address climate change, we hope this challenge will make it easier for community members to take the first steps in reducing their food waste."
The average household in the US wastes more than 30% of their food, equating to wasting 30% of their grocery bill. And with food prices having increased by over 20% since 2021, the average family of four can save over $1,500 a year by reducing food waste. Moreover, food waste is a major contributor to U.S. greenhouse gas emissions, equating to the annual emissions equivalent to 42 coal-fired power plants.
The A2ZERO Food Waste Challenge, which runs June 9–15, will teach residents food waste reduction strategies through seminars and an email course on how to shop, store, consume and dispose of food in a way that can significantly reduce carbon emissions. This challenge also includes several food-waste related events throughout the week where residents can learn more about techniques to reduce food waste.
The City of Ann Arbor has collaborated with local businesses like Argus Farm Stop, Zingerman's, Blom, Roos Roast and York who are leading the way on food-waste reduction. Argus Farm Stop donates extra produce and baked goods to organizations like Food Gatherers, Groundcover and local farmers for animal feed. And Zingerman's has integrated food-waste reduction into some of their food products. For example, Zingerman's Bakehouse changed their banana bread recipe to use the entire banana (peel and all!) and the deli turns stale bagels into popular bagel chips.
The challenge is part of A2ZERO Week and will feature a variety of events where residents can learn more about food waste and connect with others in the community. Events include a documentary on food waste at the Michigan Theater, a Scrappy Snack Chat by Zingerman's to learn how to cook with food scraps, and food waste trivia at the A2ZERO Climate Trivia Night.
Residents can register for the A2ZERO Food Waste challenge at zerowaste.org/a2foodwaste.
For further inquiries about the food waste challenge, please contact Lydia McMullen-Laird at [email protected].
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