Feed Spokane speakers urge donating edible food and composting leftovers to cut landfill emissions

During the public-comment period at a city meeting in Spokane, representatives of Feed Spokane and other community members urged residents and businesses to donate edible food to local food banks and send inedible food to composting, saying household food waste can be substantial and contributes to landfill greenhouse-gas emissions.

An unidentified commenter told the meeting, "food waste makes up a lot of our waste stream... It can be up to 30% of our trash," and said organic material in landfills produces greenhouse gases. The commenter urged people to study their own waste at home to see how much could be diverted.

Bridal Ortega, a Feed Spokane representative, thanked food donors for their efforts and encouraged continued donations. "I appreciate that they're being really, mindful about doing that," Ortega said, noting it sometimes takes extra effort for donors to gather and deliver contributions.

Another commenter described Feed Spokane's network of pantries and partners, saying the organization's work is "the power of community" and that many local pantries lack other support. A speaker added that donating edible food helps "feed people who don't have enough food," while nonedible food can be sent for composting to keep it out of the trash.

Speakers framed the issue as both an environmental and a humanitarian one: reducing methane-producing landfill waste and providing food to those in need. The remarks were part of the public-comment period and did not include a staff report or a formal action by the governing body during the meeting.

No ordinances, motions, or votes on food-waste policies were recorded during the public comments segment.