Montgomery County’s Office of Food Systems Resilience (OFSR) has unveiled an exciting new phase in its effort to tackle food waste and hunger. They are launching a strategy to enhance the Food Recovery Network. This initiative aims to improve how surplus food is coordinated, stored, and delivered to those in need.
Food recovery, or food rescue, is all about collecting safe but unsellable food and sharing it with community partners. This approach not only cuts down on waste but also combats hunger in the area. With around 300,000 people in the county facing food insecurity, these efforts are crucial. Each month, over 106,000 residents receive assistance thanks to more than two dozen organizations dedicated to redistributing surplus food.
In the last 15 years, Montgomery County has put over $3 million into food recovery infrastructure. Some key milestones include:
- Creating the Food Recovery Work Group: Established in 2012, this group, led by County Councilmember Valerie Ervin, brought together nonprofits, faith leaders, and government agencies to create a county-wide food recovery program.
- Strategic Partnerships: The county collaborates with organizations like Nourish Now to enhance rescue initiatives and support local food hubs.
- Community Food Rescue: Managed by Manna Food Center, this program developed a tech platform to efficiently recover and redistribute nutritious food across the county.
Moving forward, OFSR is ramping up its food recovery efforts with new investments in infrastructure and coordination. These improvements aim to streamline operations and ensure food gets into the hands of those who need it most.
“Food recovery is a clear example of how we can reduce waste and help our community,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “The Office of Food Systems Resilience was built to connect partners and ensure we can respond effectively, especially when resources dwindle.”
For more information about these initiatives, visit the [Montgomery County Food Recovery](https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/ofsr/foodrecovery.html) website.
By investing in food recovery, Montgomery County not only combats waste but also strengthens its community. It’s an ongoing effort that exemplifies resilience and collaboration. As food recovery gains attention, we see a trend of other cities looking to implement similar solutions. With an estimated 1.3 billion tons of food wasted globally each year, these local initiatives are vital for creating a sustainable future.
