SWACO, the Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio led by Jane Boehm, is leading the charge to reduce food waste in the region. Through the Central Ohio Food Waste Initiative, they've brought together a diverse group of partners, including businesses, nonprofits, and government agencies, to work toward eliminating food waste. The initiative focuses on three key areas: prevention, donation, and composting.

One of the program's notable successes is the Columbus Food Rescue, which redistributes over a million pounds of food annually, preventing it from going to waste and helping those in need. SWACO is also working to make it easier and more affordable for businesses to divert food waste, which makes up a significant portion of the landfill. They are working on pilot programs, incentive programs, and technical assistance programs to encourage businesses to adopt sustainable practices. SWACO is committed to making Central Ohio a leader in food waste reduction. They are constantly developing new programs and resources to help residents, businesses, and communities play an active role in making a difference.

Episode in a glance

- Why Food Waste is Such a Huge Problem
- Misconceptions About How Food Waste Breaks Dow
- Food Waste Statistics in Landfill Composition
- The Central Ohio Food Waste Action Plan
- The Food Waste Drop-Off Program
- Success story of Columbus Food Rescue
- The Intersection of Food Waste and Hunger
- Challenges in Diverting Food Waste
- Comparison of Food Waste Reduction Programs
- The Future of the Food Waste Action Plan

About Jane Boehm

Jane Boehm is the Food Waste Programs Administrator at SWACO, the solid waste authority of Central Ohio. She's a passionate advocate for sustainable food systems and a key driver in reducing food waste across the region. Jane combines her deep understanding of agriculture and environmental science with her ability to engage diverse stakeholders to create lasting change. She's dedicated to building a community that values reducing waste and maximizing the use of food resources, inspiring others to take action and contribute to a healthier planet.

Connect with Jane Boehm & SWACO

• SWACO website & Landfill Tour Sign-Up: https://www.swaco.org/
• Save More Than Food Campaign website: https://savemorethanfood.org/
• Jane Boehm's email: foodwaste@swaco.org

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