Sodexo Massachusetts highlights food waste reduction initiatives and sustainability goals

The recent Organics Subcommittee Meeting held by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) on May 29, 2025, highlighted critical issues surrounding food waste and food insecurity in the state. The discussions underscored the dual challenges of significant food waste generation and the alarming rates of food insecurity affecting many residents.

A key focus of the meeting was the staggering amount of surplus food in the United States, with a large portion ending up as waste rather than being donated or recycled. Presenters emphasized that approximately 80% of wasted food consists of perishable items, indicating a pressing need for effective waste management strategies. The data presented, sourced from REFED, illustrated that while some food is recycled through composting and anaerobic digestion, the majority is simply discarded, representing a lost opportunity for both environmental sustainability and community support.

The meeting also featured insights from Rose Forrest of Sodexo, a major food service provider in Massachusetts. Forrest detailed various initiatives aimed at reducing food waste across their operations. These include menu planning that prioritizes plant-based options to lower carbon emissions, as well as the implementation of a system called LeanPath to measure and analyze food waste at dining facilities. This system has reportedly helped prevent nearly 50% of potential food waste, showcasing the effectiveness of proactive waste management practices.

Sodexo's efforts extend beyond waste reduction to include partnerships with local food recovery organizations, which help redirect surplus food to those in need. Forrest noted that recent food drives across multiple campuses collected nearly 3,000 pounds of food for local pantries and shelters, demonstrating a commitment to addressing food insecurity while minimizing waste.

The meeting concluded with discussions on the challenges faced in scaling these initiatives, particularly in training staff across diverse educational backgrounds and aligning sustainable practices among various sectors, including K-12 schools, hospitals, and universities. The establishment of the New England Growth Collaborative was mentioned as a step towards fostering collaboration among these entities to enhance waste reduction efforts.

Overall, the meeting served as a platform for sharing innovative strategies and fostering partnerships aimed at tackling the intertwined issues of food waste and food insecurity in Massachusetts. As the state continues to address these challenges, the insights and commitments made during this meeting will be crucial in shaping future policies and initiatives.