Too Good To Go and Share My Meals tackle New Jersey's food waste crisis

Food waste took center stage at the New Jersey Senate Environment and Energy meeting on April 23, 2025, as advocates pushed for innovative policies to combat this pressing issue. Zach Shaben, public affairs manager for Too Good To Go, highlighted the significant impact of food waste on both the environment and local economies. His organization, which connects consumers with surplus food from businesses at reduced prices, has partnered with nearly 1,700 New Jersey stores since 2020, saving over 2.5 million pounds of food from landfills and preventing the emission of 6.7 million pounds of CO2.

Shaben emphasized the economic potential of reducing food waste, noting that businesses using the Too Good To Go model recouped approximately $3.7 million in revenue that would have otherwise been lost. He called for policies that prioritize food waste prevention, arguing that relying solely on donations is insufficient to meet the goals of New Jersey's Food Waste Reduction Act, which aims to cut food waste by 2030.

The meeting also featured the New Jersey Meal Recovery Coalition, led by Share My Meals, which aims to recover and deliver healthy meals to food-insecure individuals. Karen Lemon, board chair of Share My Meals, explained that their initiative connects meal donors, such as corporations and universities, with nonprofits to ensure surplus meals are not wasted. The coalition aims to recover 5 million meals annually, showcasing the potential for collaboration between businesses and community organizations to address food waste and insecurity.

Both Shaben and Lemon underscored the need for robust policies that incentivize sustainable practices, such as markdown sales and improved inventory management, to create a more sustainable future for New Jersey. As food waste continues to be a critical issue, the discussions at this meeting signal a growing commitment to innovative solutions that benefit both the environment and local communities.