Edible Food Recovery: Lessons Learned and Prepping for Tier 2
Track
Organics / Edible Food Recovery
Session Description
The CRRA Edible Food Recovery Technical Council presents an informative session about lessons learned in the implementation of SB1383 requirements for Tier 1 commercial edible food generators and preparing for the implementation of recovery programs for Tier 2 commercial edible food generators. Presenters will dive into the nuances of recovery programs for Tier 2 commercial edible food generators including existing funding programs, reporting best practices and challenges, and specific solutions in rural counties. Attendees will gain an understanding of the various funding models seen throughout the state, the unintended consequences experienced in 2021, reporting requirements, the current and future obstacles rural counties face, and how to plan for successful Tier 2 edible food recovery implementation. This panel will present case studies and trends in implementation efforts across the state while highlighting the importance of preparation for Tier 2 implementation.
Speakers
Monica White, Edgar & Associates, Inc.
Title
Sustainability Manager
Speaker Abstract
In her role at Edgar and Associates, Monica has worked with numerous counties on strategies to fund food recovery programs to achieve sustainability goals and SB1383 compliance. The audience will learn about different funding models we are seeing through the state, their advantages and challenges with each of these funding models, lessons learned and unexpected consequences. We will discuss navigating the tier system defined by SB1383; and how a global pandemic has affected SB1383 compliance planning and implementation for the public, private and nonprofit sectors. Food recovery from Tier 2 generators requires different logistics than food recovery from Tier 1 where increased effort and infrastructure is needed to develop compliant programs. Planning for Tier 2 food recovery should begin as soon as possible. Monica will share key findings and lessons learned from her experiences customizing strategies for a variety of stakeholders. She will also explain the urgency and importance of strategic planning and funding for Tier 2 food recovery programs.
Cassie Bartholomew, StopWaste
Title
Program Manager
Speaker Abstract
Cassie will address some of the challenges, opportunities, and best practices StopWaste has developed through their extensive work engaging a variety of stakeholders from environmental health to food recovery organizations, in meeting the reporting requirements for SB1383 implementation. She will also explore planning for Tier 2 food waste generators and the lessons learned about reporting for Tier 1 generators. The audience will gain a greater understanding of the importance of engaging stakeholders to build trust and ensure accurate reporting, the nuances of SB 1383 reporting from different types of recovery organizations, and scenarios, the establishment of effective metrics, and the ability to create change and elevate standards through data.
Lisa Coelho, Recyclist
Title
Customer Success Manager
Speaker Abstract
Lisa Coelho, Customer Success Manager at Recyclist, will present trends non-urban communities are facing with implementing food recovery programs for Tier 2 generators. The challenges these communities face is unique and leave them vulnerable to non-compliance. These include limited funding, inadequate structural support, restricted access to resources, logistical gaps, and fewer non-profit organizations available to recover food. Local government representatives are identifying capacity gaps but struggling to identify approaches for capacity expansion. Although some rural communities are exploring software solutions that connect donors directly to recipients, this model yields a different set of challenges for Tier 2 food recovery. Specifically, the logistics of sourcing volunteers to travel long distances to collect and redistribute small quantities of edible food from a Tier 2 generator requires a significant investment of resources for a small return. Through case studies and barrier and benefit analysis, the audience will take away innovative capacity expansion strategies and recommendations applicable to non-urban food recovery program development and implementation.