Skagit Valley launches food waste prevention campaign with master gardeners and community classes

A recent government meeting highlighted the successful initiatives in Skagit County aimed at reducing food waste and promoting sustainability. The discussion centered around the annual food waste prevention campaign, which is set to take place from April 7 to April 12 this year.

Last year's campaign reached over 6,000 residents, with participants reporting a 100% success rate in learning new practices to minimize food waste. The program included cooking classes and the introduction of a worm bin, created in collaboration with local master gardeners, to process food scraps. This innovative approach not only educated the community but also facilitated the donation of $650 worth of food to the Try Paris food bank in Burlington, demonstrating a commitment to supporting those in need.

The ripple effects of these efforts are evident, as Skagit Valley College has adopted similar practices by building its own worm bin. Additionally, staff at Washington State University (WSU) are now utilizing green waste bins for paper towels and food scraps, contributing to a significant reduction in landfill waste. Since August, the county has successfully diverted 200 pounds of food waste and kept 90 bags of green waste out of landfills.

These initiatives reflect a growing awareness and proactive approach to sustainability in Skagit County, fostering a community that values environmental responsibility and support for local food banks. As the upcoming campaign approaches, residents can look forward to more opportunities to engage in food waste prevention and learn sustainable practices that benefit both the community and the environment.