TITLE
Recommendation to receive and file a presentation Waste Not OC Coalition, a food recovery program for an effective and cost-efficient food recovery model for City Manager to decide at a later date if partnership with Waste Not OC is an effective model for Long Beach.
DISCUSSION
According to Los Angeles Department of Public Health, nearly 30 percent of households have faced food insecurity since 2018. It is expected this rate has increased due to the effects of COVID-19. Many of the Long Beach communities face access to healthy and cost-effective foods near them. Local farmers need to a reliable attendance and income to open a market. Long Beach local farmers markets are located in affluent areas, creating inequities and injustices throughout many of our communities. Access to healthy foods is not a question of income, but rather should be accessible for all residents. A community approach needs to be taken to create accessibility and affordability of fresh foods but will also lead to a sustainable economy for stakeholders.
Studies have shown that nearly 40 percent of food goes to waste in the United States. Decomposed foods release methane gas, increasing greenhouse gas pollutants. Waste Not OC provided a cost effective and sustainable food recovery model for public, private and nonprofit organizations. This model rescues and measures quality food and provides accessibility to neighborhoods. It works in partnership with the food industry to provide a waste free approach and educates consumers. In addition, Waste Not OC recognizes the food waste contribution in climate change and participates in meeting the goals of SB1383 to reduce landfilled organic waste by 75 percent and increase recovery of disposed edible foods by 20 percent.
This presentation will address Waste Not OC’s food recovery model, partners of progress, and opportunities for Long Beach.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact associated with this request.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
JEANNINE PEARCE
COUNCILWOMAN, SECOND DISTRICT
DARYL SUPERNAW
COUNCILMAN, FOURTH DISTRICT
ROBERTO URANGA
COUNCILMEMBER, SEVENTH DISTRICT
REX RICHARDSON
COUNCILMEMBER, NINTH DISTRICT