San Francisco Sun

San Francisco Mayor London Breed, in collaboration with the San Francisco Environment Department, unveiled a significant development in the city's efforts to combat food insecurity and reduce waste. The announcement highlighted a $2.1 million grant from CalRecycle aimed at bolstering San Francisco's food recovery and security initiatives.

Mayor Breed emphasized the dual impact of the program, stating, "By fighting hunger and reducing waste, we are supporting community while still advancing our efforts as a climate leader." This sentiment underscores the city's commitment to addressing social needs while promoting environmental sustainability.

Tyrone Jue, the Director of the San Francisco Environment Department, expressed pride in the city's innovative approach to edible food recovery, stating, "San Francisco is pioneering a new era of edible food recovery with our resolve to nurture a city that thrives on sustainability and compassion." The grant will enable the city to enhance its food recovery infrastructure, ensuring that edible food reaches those in need efficiently and effectively.

The grant funding will support the expansion of recovery capacity within the San Francisco Unified School District and provide essential resources to existing food organizations. This investment aims to address logistical challenges and enhance the distribution of recovered food to nonprofit and food pantry organizations, ultimately benefiting San Franciscans facing food insecurity.

San Francisco's comprehensive food recovery programs have already made a substantial impact, with nearly 9 million pounds of food recovered since 2019, resulting in 8 million meals served. The city's initiatives not only address food security but also contribute to environmental benefits by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

In addition to food recovery efforts, the San Francisco Environment Department is launching an innovative food waste prevention campaign to educate residents and businesses on curbing food waste. By providing practical tips and resources, the campaign aims to empower individuals to reduce food waste in their homes, ultimately contributing to the city's overall sustainability goals.

San Francisco's multifaceted approach to combating food waste and insecurity reflects a commitment to environmental stewardship and community well-being. Through collaborative efforts and strategic investments, the city continues to lead by example in implementing innovative programs that prioritize sustainability and compassion.

For those interested in joining the fight against food waste, more information and resources can be found at endfoodwastesf.org.