Food banks have long been known for their crucial role in fighting hunger and providing meals to those in need. However, a lesser-known aspect of their impact is their contribution to reducing carbon emissions and combating climate change. By intercepting surplus food that would otherwise go to waste and redistributing it to those in need, food banks play a significant role in mitigating harmful greenhouse gas emissions associated with food loss and waste.
The Global Foodbanking Network (GFN), a nonprofit organization that works with regional food banks in over 50 countries, recently released its annual impact report highlighting the environmental benefits of their efforts. In 2023, GFN member organizations provided 1.7 billion meals to more than 40 million people, with much of the food recovered from farms or wholesale produce markets. This redistribution of food resulted in an estimated mitigation of 1.8 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent.
The demand for food banks remains high, with GFN serving nearly as many people in 2023 as it did during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. To address this pressing need, many food banks have invested in agricultural recovery initiatives to rescue food from farmers before it is discarded. This dual-purpose approach not only addresses hunger but also helps protect the environment by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
The Environmental Impact of Food Waste
Food waste has significant environmental consequences, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change. According to the United Nations Environment Programme, 13% of food is lost during production and distribution, while 19% is wasted by retailers, restaurants, and households. Globally, approximately one-third of the food produced is never consumed, leading to massive emissions of greenhouse gases.
When food is wasted, all the resources and energy used in its production, transportation, and processing are also wasted. Additionally, food that ends up in landfills generates methane, a potent greenhouse gas that is much more harmful than carbon dioxide. In the United States alone, 58% of methane emissions from landfills come from food waste. Globally, food loss and waste account for 8-10% of greenhouse gas emissions, making it crucial to reduce food waste to achieve climate targets.
Food banks play a crucial role in reducing food waste and its environmental impact by rescuing surplus food that would otherwise be discarded. By intercepting edible food before it reaches the landfill, food banks help mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to a more sustainable food system.
Strategies for Reducing Food Waste
To maximize their impact in reducing food waste and carbon emissions, food banks have implemented various strategies to rescue surplus food and redistribute it to those in need. One such strategy is agricultural recovery, where food banks work closely with farmers to prevent perfectly good produce from going to waste.
By rescuing “ugly” produce that may not meet the aesthetic standards of retailers, food banks help reduce food waste and ensure that nutritious food reaches those who need it. Additionally, food banks have been exploring virtual food banking, using technology platforms to connect farmers with beneficiaries directly, eliminating the need for physical transportation and storage of surplus food.
GFN member organizations have prioritized rescuing fruits and vegetables, which make up 40% of the food redistributed by volume. This focus on fresh produce not only provides nutritious options for individuals facing food insecurity but also has a significant impact on reducing carbon emissions associated with food waste.
Measuring the Environmental Impact
To quantify the environmental benefits of their efforts, GFN utilized the Food Loss and Waste Protocol developed by the World Resources Institute. This framework considers various factors, such as where the recovered food would have ended up if not intercepted by food banks, to estimate the carbon dioxide equivalent mitigated by their actions.
While the exact destination of surplus food if not rescued by food banks may vary, the majority of food waste globally ends up in landfills, where it contributes to methane emissions. By rescuing food before it reaches the landfill, food banks help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to a more sustainable food system.
Emily Broad Leib, founding director of the Food Law and Policy Clinic at Harvard Law School, emphasized the ongoing need to scale up food banks and food recovery operations to address food waste effectively. She noted that there is always food unnecessarily wasted, highlighting the importance of continued efforts to rescue surplus food and redirect it to those in need.
The Future of Food Banks in Climate Action
As the demand for food banks continues to rise, their role in reducing food waste and carbon emissions is becoming increasingly important. By expanding their agricultural recovery initiatives, leveraging technology for virtual food banking, and collaborating closely with farmers and beneficiaries, food banks can maximize their impact in combating food waste and climate change.
Lisa Moon, president and CEO of GFN, emphasized the importance of building out redistribution capacity to meet the rising demand for food assistance. By capturing more supply and rescuing surplus food before it is wasted, food banks can make a significant contribution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and creating a more sustainable food system.
In conclusion, food banks play a crucial role in reducing food waste, mitigating carbon emissions, and combating climate change. By intercepting surplus food, rescuing fresh produce, and leveraging technology for efficient distribution, food banks contribute to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly food system. As the need for food assistance continues to grow, the impact of food banks in protecting the environment and fighting hunger remains paramount.