MARC and Philabundance tackle food waste while empowering local farmers in Pennsylvania

In a bustling meeting room filled with advocates for food security, the Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee convened on March 6, 2025, to discuss innovative strategies aimed at reducing food waste and enhancing access to nutritious food across Pennsylvania. The atmosphere was charged with a sense of urgency as speakers highlighted the critical role of agricultural partnerships in transforming surplus produce into vital resources for communities in need.

Julie, a representative from Feeding Pennsylvania, opened the session by emphasizing the importance of agricultural partnerships. She noted that these collaborations not only prevent food waste but also ensure that nutrient-dense local fruits and vegetables reach those who need them most. "Feeding PA is unique because it has one of only seven regional produce cooperatives in the Feeding America network," she explained, referring to the Mid Atlantic Regional Cooperative (MARC), which rescues and distributes over 60 million pounds of fresh produce annually to food banks across 14 states.

John Shortino, the Director of Operations at MARC, elaborated on the cooperative's mission to provide consistent access to fresh produce. He shared that since its inception in 2017, MARC has distributed over a million pounds of fresh produce weekly, significantly shifting the food banking landscape from reliance on shelf-stable items to a focus on healthy, well-rounded food choices. "We aim to provide food banks with more consistent access to fresh produce, thereby increasing the frequency of nutritious foods being passed on to neighbors in those communities," he stated.

The meeting also spotlighted the challenges faced by food banks and farmers alike. Rising costs due to market fluctuations and increased labor expenses were highlighted as significant hurdles. Shortino noted, "We strive to pay farmers a price that ensures they receive a return on their labor while keeping it affordable for our food banks." This delicate balance is crucial for sustaining the partnerships that underpin the cooperative's operations.

Lauren Webb, Chief Food Sourcing Officer at Philabundance, shared her organization's impressive achievements in food rescue. Celebrating its 40th anniversary, Philabundance has rescued over 112 million pounds of food that would have otherwise gone to waste, providing more than 94 million meals to the community. "Good food is not trash, and no one in Pennsylvania should go hungry while good food goes to waste," Webb passionately asserted, highlighting the stark reality that 38% of food in the U.S. goes unsold or uneaten.

As the discussions unfolded, the committee members were reminded of the pressing need for continued collaboration between food banks, farmers, and the agricultural industry. The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to tackling food waste and hunger, leaving attendees inspired to further their efforts in creating a sustainable food system that benefits all Pennsylvanians. The path forward is clear: through innovation, partnership, and dedication, the fight against food insecurity and waste continues to gain momentum.