UNI to help Iowa reduce food waste

A new project at the University of Northern Iowa could make the state a national leader in food waste reduction. UNI's Iowa Waste Reduction Center (IWRC) was recently awarded a grant from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources to develop the Iowa Food Waste Reduction Project. "There was a clear need for Iowa food generators to have access to information and resources to reduce their food waste and divert it from the landfill," said Dan Nickey, senior program manager at the IWRC.

Food waste facts:

• Nearly 14 percent of all municipally landfilled waste is food
• From 1998 to 2011, Iowa landfills saw a 62 percent increase in food waste disposal
• The United States spends one billion dollars per year disposing of food

In April, the IWRC launched an online resource for businesses, schools and organizations to provide tutorials, case studies and information about regulations, vendors, composting and outlets for leftover food. In addition, the center is hosting a free, one-day conference, Wasted: Feed the Folks; Starve the Landfills, on Friday, July 12 to explore innovative strategies, followed by a series of workshops around the state.

The Iowa Waste Reduction Center is a nonprofit organization at UNI, providing business assistance, industry training and research and development for nearly 25 years.

Upcoming Events

UNI Day on RAGBRAI, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesday, July 23, in downtown Des Moines. Door prizes and photos with TC! Email Amy Mohr or call 319-273-2355.