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Aquidneck Community Table awarded 745 346 to expand food and composting education in Newport schools

A New Era of Food Waste Reduction in Rhode Island

The Aquidneck Community Table (ACT) has been recognized for its innovative approach to reducing food waste in Rhode Island. The organization has been awarded a $745,346 grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Rhode Island Food Policy Council. This grant is part of a broader $18.7 million investment by the EPA to significantly reduce food waste in the state.

Understanding Food Waste

Food waste is a significant issue in the United States, with an estimated 40% of the food produced in the country being wasted. This not only has environmental implications but also affects the economy and food security. In Rhode Island, food waste is estimated to be around 10% of the state’s total food production.

The Impact of Food Waste

  • Food waste contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, with methane produced by decomposing organic waste being a potent greenhouse gas. Food waste also affects the economy, with the EPA estimating that food waste costs the US economy around $161 billion annually. Furthermore, food waste can have significant social implications, with many individuals and families struggling to access nutritious food due to food insecurity.

    The expansion will include the addition of a greenhouse and a new composting system. The expansion will also include the addition of a new program to teach students about beekeeping and the importance of pollinators.

    The ACT Program: Nurturing a Love for Local Food

    The ACT program is a community-driven initiative that aims to connect islanders to local foods and promote the growth of local food and farming businesses.

    The project will focus on reducing food waste through a combination of education, outreach, and infrastructure improvements.

    The Problem of Food Waste in Rhode Island

    Food waste is a pressing issue in Rhode Island, with over 40 percent of unused food sent to landfills. This staggering statistic highlights the need for innovative solutions to address this problem. The state’s waste management system is already overwhelmed, and the addition of food waste only exacerbates the issue. The consequences of food waste are far-reaching, from environmental degradation to economic losses.

    The Impact of Food Waste

  • Food waste contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, as decomposing organic matter releases methane, a potent greenhouse gas. The production, processing, and transportation of food result in significant energy consumption and resource usage. Food waste also has economic implications, with the United States alone wasting approximately $161 billion worth of food annually. ## The RIFPC Project*

    • The RIFPC Project

    The Rhode Island Food Policy Council (RIFPC) has been awarded $18.7 million under the EPA’s Inflation Reduction Act Community Change Grant Program to tackle the issue of food waste. This project will enable a generational investment in food waste reduction, with a focus on education, outreach, and infrastructure improvements.

    Key Components of the Project

  • Education and Outreach: The project will develop and implement educational programs to raise awareness about food waste and its consequences. This will include workshops, webinars, and social media campaigns to engage the community. Infrastructure Improvements: The project will also focus on improving food waste infrastructure, including composting facilities and food recovery programs. This will enable the efficient collection and processing of food waste, reducing the amount sent to landfills. Community Engagement: The project will foster community engagement and participation in food waste reduction efforts.

    Food waste is a major environmental concern that affects the economy and contributes to greenhouse gas emissions.

    The initiative aims to divert 20% of the city’s food waste from landfills and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 10%.

    The Problem of Food Waste

    Food waste is a significant issue in the United States, with an estimated 40% of the food produced in the country being wasted. This not only results in economic losses but also contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and environmental degradation.

    Other community partners in the project include Groundwork RI, Eastern Rhode Island Conservation District, Center for EcoTechnology, FoodRecovery.org, URI Cooperative Extension, and the Rhode Island Schools Recycle Project.

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