Volunteers collecting food that was redirected from the landfill (photo courtesy of FoodMesh / Website)

By Liam Verster

Redirecting Edible Food

Local program saves almost 300,000 kg of edible food in just over a year

Sep 11, 2024 | 12:51 PM

A Regional District of North Okanagan’s waste diversion program has kept almost 300 tonnes of food out of the landfills.

The RDNO said the FoodMesh program, launched in April 2023 with support from a ReTHINK Waste grant, had to date redirected 296,400 kilograms of food waste that was still perfectly edible, and repackaged it into over 374,300 meals.

The food was collected from over 70 participating businesses, charities and farmers, and the meals made out of the food were delivered to people in need through partners such as the Salvation Army.

In addition to providing an update on the food rescue project, the RDNO opened applications for the ReTHINK Waste program Wednesday, Sept. 11.

The program supports projects that reduce waste, with the RDNO noting that usually focus is put on composting and recycling, but is looking for other ways to redirect waste out of the landfills.

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Applications can be submitted through the RDNO website, the deadline to apply is Nov. 20.

A previous ReTHINK Waste grant has gone to support the making of a documentary entitled Food Synergy, which takes viewers on a journey through the entire food supply chain.

The film will be screened at the Vernon library at 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 26. The showing will be followed with a panel discussion with the filmmaker and people involved in local food rescue efforts. The event is free to attend but people must get tickets in advance.