SPOKANE, Wash — This week marks National Food Waste Prevention Week, and local food bank Second Harvest is taking steps to combat food waste and better serve the community. The organization recently launched a new program, Zilch, aimed at reducing food waste while feeding those in need.
Zilch helps Second Harvest distribute groceries that are deemed unfit for traditional distribution but are still perfectly edible. These include items that may be slightly irregular, nearing their “best-by” date, or just not visually perfect for grocery store shelves. Rather than sending these items to landfills, Second Harvest ensures they go to people who need them.
“For example, a green banana may be passed over because it’s not ripe enough, or a yellow banana may be too ripe. Both would be available to us for Zilch and can be served to our agencies,” said Tony Cook, manager at Second Harvest.
Since the introduction of Zilch last spring, the program has expanded Second Harvest’s reach, allowing the organization to serve an additional 40 communities across Spokane County.
The initiative not only helps reduce food waste but also plays a crucial role in addressing hunger in the Inland Northwest.
For more information on how to donate or receive food through Second Harvest, visit their website.
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