Food Waste Warriors to the Rescue

TouchPoint associates are so passionate about stopping food waste, both in the ministries they serve and in their homes, they are affectionately referred to as Food Waste Warriors. TouchPoint’s client, Ascension Health, shares this vision and supports through a partnership of robust sustainability programs and initiatives. 85% of its ministries came together to recognize Stop Food Waste Day in 2021, despite the past year’s challenges.

TouchPoint has enthusiastically embraced this program since Compass Group introduced Stop Food Waste Day in 2017 as a day of environmental action, designed to raise awareness of the critical food-waste issue in our country while sharing practical and impactful solutions to shift behavior and create change.

There were dozens of creative and educational ways the TouchPoint teams across the country called attention to this important day. Highlights include:

Teaching Kitchens showcased innovative, delicious meals made primarily using leftovers. Associates demonstrated canning and shared tips on growing fruits and vegetables from kitchen scraps.

The Waste-Not, Wag-A-Lot program demonstrated how to make healthy dog treats from food items that would have otherwise been thrown away.

Composting Kits were created and distributed to associates and guests.

Local food drives were hosted across the US where donors received seedling kits.

Prepared food donations were made to organizations that assist with food insecurity, such as the Salvation Army, to ensure nothing went to waste.

Partnerships with local farmers offered solutions for food waste that could not be used, diverting it instead for compost. As a result, 100% of the hospital food waste was kept out of landfills while providing valuable compost to grow local crops.

While TouchPoint highlights these efforts one day each year, the focus must be kept year-round. To guarantee this, TouchPoint is currently rolling out Waste Not 2.0 and will be the first Compass sector to fully adopt the program in 100% of its accounts by the beginning of fiscal year 2022.

Waste Not 2.0 is a digital evolution of the current Waste Not program that utilizes technology to separate and track food waste into acceptable or unacceptable waste. This new technology will allow our accounts to further monitor and optimize food waste reduction efforts.

By adopting best practices, continuing education and sharing ideas about reducing food waste, these food waste warriors are optimistic they will continue to make a significant environmental impact in their ministries and communities.

SAVE THE WORLD

APRIL 27 TH , 2022