In an effort to reduce hunger by diverting food waste from the landfills a local group is hosting a free Food Rescue Workshop on October 20 at the Quad Cities Food Hub.
"One in 8 people in our community do not have enough food to eat. We can feed them all by committing to never throwing away food that could still be eaten by someone in need. We are bringing local food providers together to showcase how they can donate easily, help people, help the environment, and actually improve the bottom line for their business" said Mike Miller, Executive Director of the River Bend Foodbank. Local businesses such as Ross' Restaurant and Outback Steakhouse will be discussing their collaborations with local meal sites such as King's Harvest, Café on Vine, and Sacred Heart.
The panel discussions will teach food establishments how to get started, explain how to develop policies and procedures, share ideas to motivate staff, help inform leaders where to donate, and provide a food donation starter kit. Lindsey Adams, Owner of Outback Steakhouse said that, "There is a common misconception when it comes to donating food and liability. The Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Food Donation Act encourages food donation and protects donors."
Other initiatives throughout Iowa are already tackling this issue such as Eat Greater Des Moines and Table to Table in Iowa City, who will be joining panelists from the River Bend Foodbank and the Scott County Health Department to explore how they are rescuing food in their community and how similar practices can be implemented in the Quad Cities.
The workshop is hosted by the Food Rescue Partnership, a community-focused coalition committed to rescuing food throughout the Quad Cities. Register and find additional information on the Food Rescue Workshop at www.foodrescueqc.org and www.facebook.com/foodrescueqc.
