Discover How Innovative Technology from OSU-Cascades and Community Partners is Transforming Food Waste Reduction

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Since 2018, students from OSU-Cascades in Hospitality Management and Engineering have teamed up to tackle food waste. Using innovative technology and vital community partnerships, they’re making strides toward a sustainable solution.

Their project centers around a system that records food before it’s eaten and monitors leftovers. This helps them understand what often gets wasted and how it affects nutritional intake.

Pickett Johnson, a Hospitality Management student, shared, “We’re quantifying food waste, which is rarely tracked. We aim to determine how much food is sent back, boosting our sustainability efforts.” This approach is rooted in the idea that “you can’t manage what you can’t track.”

Professor Todd Montgomery emphasized, “This research will shed light on post-consumer food waste, while also addressing malnutrition to improve health outcomes.”

To test their system, OSU-Cascades collaborated with the Council on Aging of Central Oregon, which provides meals to local seniors. This partnership allowed students to collect data from a substantial number of meals.

Engineering student Luke Bensching described their method: “We photograph food before serving to capture its weight. Using AI, we take another photo after consumption to compare the difference in volume and weight. This helps identify food preferences for the Council on Aging.”

The technology’s final test was completed this week, and they plan to implement the system soon. Central Oregon Health Quality Alliance provided essential funding, while the Council on Aging’s involvement and the dedication of the students played crucial roles in this project’s success.

Food waste is a pressing issue globally. Recent statistics show that roughly one-third of all food produced is wasted, amounting to 1.3 billion tons annually (FAO). This project not only addresses waste but also nourishes those in need, highlighting the importance of efficient resource management.

In the wake of rising food prices, initiatives like this one resonate with the community. Many are discussing ways to reduce waste online, emphasizing a shift toward sustainability. This teamwork between students and local organizations could inspire similar efforts elsewhere.

For more insights on food waste reduction strategies, you can explore resources from the Food and Agriculture Organization.

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