The U.S. EPA recognized Towson University in Maryland today with a 2019 Food Recovery Challenge Regional Award. As part of EPA’s Food Recovery Challenge, organizations pledge to improve their sustainable food management practices and report their results.
“Food Recovery Challenge participants are leaders in showing how preventing food waste and diverting excess wholesome food to people is an environmental win and a cost-saving business decision,” said EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler. “Their accomplishments serve as excellent examples to other companies, governments, organizations and communities.”
“It is remarkable how Towson University and its students have embraced the food recovery concept,” said EPA’s Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Cosmo Servidio. “The university began a rigorous expansion of its composting program, and Towson students took an active role in diverting food waste by taking surplus items from campus dining facilities and transporting it to local non-profit organizations.”
Food is a valuable resource. Efforts to reduce food waste and ensure excess food doesn’t go to waste are needed now more than ever. The innovation these businesses are showcasing can serve as examples as the nation works together to address the COVID-19 public health emergency. Over 1,000 businesses, governments and organizations participated in EPA’s Food Recovery Challenge in 2019. Participants prevented or diverted over 815,000 tons of food from entering landfills or incinerators, saving participants up to $42.3 million in avoided landfill tipping fees.
As a regional winner in EPA’s Mid-Atlantic Region, Towson University used innovative best practices to prevent and reduce food waste. This included introducing a “Zero Waste” initiative to reduce food waste stemming from the thousands of annual events held on its campus. These events incorporate compostable service ware, bulk beverages, and right-sized food portions to reduce or eliminate waste.
“With support from student Eco-Reps, and promotion through flagship events like our Environmental Conference, Zero Waste events are now the norm on campus,” said Patricia Watson, the University’s Assistant Director of Sustainability.