Food Waste Weekend

Here in the US, more than 30% of all food is wasted. In a world with so many hungry people, that’s a terrible shame.

Sadly, it gets worse. Wasted food rots and creates greenhouse gas emissions. A lot of them. If you compare the emissions from food waste globally to the world’s nations, it comes in third place – following China and the US. Check out NCIPL’s Greenhouse Gases and Food – Things You Should Know resource.

Fortunately, we can all make a difference. Take part in Food Waste Weekend.

On the weekend of September 23-25, faith communities across the country will celebrate the first Food Waste Weekend, or will commit to do so later this year. Food Waste Weekend is a partnership between GreenFaith and Ampleharvest.org, a nonprofit that reduces food waste and hunger by empowering growers to donate excess produce to food pantries.

70% of America’s food pantries are located in a house of worship. Faith communities are key partners in helping to ensure that excess food gets to hungry families.

We invite you to take part in Food Waste Weekend. Sign up now to take part on Sept. 23-25 or to schedule your Food Waste Weekend later this year.

Sample sermons and background information on food waste are available on the Food Waste Weekend website for Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist, Hindu, Unitarian and Secular communities. You can also download the Food Waste Weekend Gameshow lesson plan for children in faith communities, and other free resources.

Spread the word by using #foodwasteweekend on social media.

The goal is to have 7,500 congregations signed on to Food Waste Weekend and sharing this pressing message in their communities on September 23-25 or later this year. We look forward to congregations speaking out about this vital issue.