The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently recognized two Arizona businesses for reducing food waste and preventing greenhouse gases.
The two Arizona awardees are both Sprouts Famers Market locations and were recognized for participating in the agency’s Food Recovery Challenge, according to a press release.
"Reducing food waste represents an environmental and economic benefit for communities in our region," EPA Pacific Southwest Regional Administrator Martha Guzman said in the release. "The Food Recovery Challenge awardees in Arizona are leading the way, modeling how organizations across the state can address food insecurity, prevent methane emissions that contribute to climate change, and make cost-saving business decisions."
The Maricopa Sprouts Farmers Market location was recognized in 2019 for reducing food waste by 2,100% and the Laveen Sprouts Farmers Market was recognized in 2020 for reducing food waste by 461%.
"Working at Sprouts has given me a unique opportunity to interact with those serving some of the most vulnerable members of our local communities," Levi Young, Sprouts receiving manager, said in the release. "We have volunteers pick up donations daily so we can get food directly to struggling families and their children, which is, in my opinion, one of the most impactful things you can do to directly serve your community. I’m proud to be able to take direct action to serve our local communities on behalf of Sprouts."
The EPA and the U.S. have set goals to cut food waste in half by 2030.
About 30% to 40% of the food supply in the US is never eaten and goes to waste. The uneaten food ends up in landfills which contribute to greenhouse gas emissions.
