Solving Food Insecurity and Waste: How You Can Create a Win-Win Solution

Jessamine County, Kentucky, is tackling two big issues: food insecurity and food waste, through an innovative program called WIN-WIN, or "Waste Not Want Not." This initiative comes from the University of Kentucky’s Department of Dietetics and Nutrition, aimed at helping the community while reducing the amount of food that goes uneaten.

In Kentucky, about one in five children and one in six adults face food insecurity. Nationwide, the problem is even bigger, with roughly 130 billion pounds of food wasted each year, according to the University of Kentucky. Dawn Brewer, the program’s leader and a professor of dietetics and nutrition, explains that WIN-WIN seeks to provide nutritious food to those in need while minimizing food waste.

The program collects fresh produce from various community sources like farmers and home gardeners. Many residents in Jessamine County have extra fruits and vegetables that might otherwise go to waste. The program has set up multiple drop-off locations in the area.

One standout location is Manna Meals, a soup kitchen in Nicholasville. They prepare healthy meals using the donated produce. Director Pamela Rosenthal shares that they often see a variety of fresh ingredients thanks to this initiative, allowing their chefs to get creative. Community involvement is key, and local farmers, including Clover Hilltop Farm, also play a vital role in providing surplus produce.

Clover Hilltop Farm owner Diane Vetters mentioned that the recent weather conditions led to an abundance of produce, which has greatly benefited the program. “It’s been a huge blessing,” she said.

The WIN-WIN program not only nourishes families but also reduces waste, creating a win-win situation for everyone involved. The team plans to expand this helpful initiative to surrounding counties, hoping to reach even more individuals in need.

Here are the drop-off locations for anyone interested in donating fresh produce:

• JC Food Pantry: 104 S. 2nd St Suite A, Mondays 8 a.m. – 11 a.m.
• St. Luke Catholic Church: 304 S. Main St, Tuesday 7 a.m. – 8 p.m.
• Bethel Harvest: 3260 Lexington Road, Thursday 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
• Fitch’s IGA: 102 E Main St., Wilmore, Thursday and Friday 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
• Manna Meals: 303 W Maple St, Saturday 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
• Nicholasville Farmers Market: 210 E Walnut St, Saturday 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.
• Wilmore Farmers Market: Main St, Saturday 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.

By participating, you can join the fight against hunger while making sure edible food doesn’t go to waste. This program highlights the power of community action and the importance of supporting one another, especially in tough times. For more information on food insecurity and efforts across Kentucky, you can check resources from the Kentucky Center for Economic Policy.

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