Matt Jozwiak, Founder and CEO of Rethink Food, shares his mission to combat food waste and promote sustainability. He discusses innovative partnerships with local restaurants to transform surplus food into nutritious meals for underserved communities. The conversation touches on the hidden costs of food waste and its impact on resources, as well as debunking myths around food safety. Jozwiak highlights the crucial role of chefs transitioning from fine dining to community efforts, showcasing a collaborative approach to tackling food insecurity and fostering a more equitable food system.
Rethink Food addresses systemic food waste by transforming discarded food into nutritious meals for underserved communities, reducing both waste and food insecurity.
The podcast emphasizes the importance of equitable food distribution by supporting local restaurants, ensuring culturally appropriate meals and fostering community connections.
Deep dives
Innovative Baking Trends
The current baking trend includes a creative approach where store-bought croissants are enhanced by inserting pre-made cookie dough into them, resulting in a deliciously simple treat. This trend exemplifies the movement towards convenience in baking, encouraging enthusiasts to experiment without the need for extensive baking skills. In addition to viral recipes, the podcast highlights innovative ideas like using apple peels enhanced with cinnamon and sugar, which can be transformed into a delightful baked snack. Such trends reflect a growing interest in easy yet rewarding baking solutions that cater to both novice and seasoned bakers.
Addressing Food Waste
Food waste remains a pressing issue, with a significant portion of edible food being discarded in the U.S., estimated at around 42% of total food production. Organizations like Rethink Food are tackling this problem by repurposing excess food from restaurants and grocery stores to produce meals for community centers. This approach not only reduces waste but also addresses food insecurity by providing nutritious meals to those in need. The podcast discusses how small businesses and local restaurants become integral partners in this mission, turning excess inventory into a means of support for their communities.
Community-Centric Food Solutions
The importance of equity in food distribution is emphasized through programs that focus on engaging local restaurants to serve their specific communities. Rethink Food, for example, supports neighborhood eateries by providing them with grants and resources to prepare meals for local residents, ensuring that the food reflects the cultural preferences of those served. This model fosters connections within the community while empowering small businesses financially. It demonstrates a holistic approach to food assistance that prioritizes the people and neighborhoods in need of support.
The Challenge of Food Policy Advocacy
Advocacy for better food policy is a significant aspect of addressing the systemic issues within the food industry, as highlighted by the discussions on the podcast. There is a call for legislative changes that would require supermarkets to donate surplus food instead of discarding it, similar to laws enacted in France. Engaging with government officials and demonstrating the efficacy of partnering with local restaurants to serve community needs are critical steps in this advocacy. The podcast reveals the necessity of shifting the narrative around excess food from waste to resource, highlighting the potential for collaborative efforts to drive meaningful policy change.
Founder and CEO Matt Jozwiak of Rethink Food, joins to discuss how he works with a variety of partners to re-purpose discarded food into wholesome, culturally appropriate meals for the underserved.
Photo Courtesy of Clay Williams.
Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support What Doesn't Kill You by becoming a member!