Transforming Food Waste: How a Colorado Springs Bagel Shop Leads the Charge for Sustainability

Reducing Food Waste: Bella’s Bagels Steps Up

In the U.S., it’s shocking that 30-40% of our food supply is wasted, according to the US Department of Agriculture. Bella’s Bagels in southern Colorado is doing its part to change that.

Co-owner Jason Stele shared that while they keep track of sales, sometimes they produce more than they sell—like an extra 100 or 200 bagels. To tackle unnecessary waste, they began donating day-old bagels to local farms. But their approach soon shifted; now, unsold bagels are offered at a reduced price. "It hurts my soul to throw out food," Jason explained. "We can still sell a dozen bagels at a fraction of the cost."

The day-old bagels are stored properly and made available via a local app called Goodie Bag. This app allows people to pick them up on a first-come, first-serve basis. Eddy Connors, co-founder of Goodie Bag, was inspired to create this platform with a college friend. They noticed how rampant food waste is in America and wanted to be part of the solution. “Most food waste comes from individuals like us,” he noted.

Both Jason and Eddy encourage everyone to be more mindful about food purchasing and waste. “Chefs are the best at turning leftovers into something new,” said Eddy. For small businesses, Jason emphasizes the importance of knowing your sales numbers. "Running a business based on gut feelings without data just isn’t effective," he added.

In the broader context, it’s essential to understand how food waste impacts our environment. A recent study from the EPA highlights that food waste contributes to methane emissions, a potent greenhouse gas. By being intentional about food consumption, businesses and individuals alike can make a significant difference.

As communities push for sustainability, initiatives like those at Bella’s Bagels show how businesses can lead the way in reducing food waste while fostering community support.

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