FOOD RESCUE & EVENTS MINNEAPOLS ST PAUL
At LUUM Collective, we are connecting planners, caterers, and venues to resources like Meal Connect to help keep prepared foods out of landfill and into the hands of our neighbors. Thanks to the work and partnership of Second Harvest Heartland, we are working to connect, equip, and amplify event industry leaders committed to social good.
So far we’ve rescued over 6,000 pounds of food from events to food agencies and partners across the Twin Cities.
Learn more and join us!
According to a United Nations
recent report, the meetings and events industry contributes to $21 billion worth of food waste.
Research conducted by Lime Venue Portfolio has shown that the average
event wastes between 15% and 20% of the food it produces.
While over 40% of food in the United States is thrown out,
1 in 8 Americans face food insecurity.
Photo by Nylon Saddle
What is Meal Connect?
Excess food is commonly found in commercial kitchens, corporate cafeterias, and catered events across the country. MealConnect gives these food manufacturers, restaurants, cafeterias and special event centers a safe, convenient, and free way to donate their surplus food to neighbors in need. Last year, Second Harvest’s Minnesota meal service partners donated 284,000 pounds of prepared foods.
If you’re interested in participating as a planner, caterer or venue please reach out. We would be happy to connect you with our toolkit and help you explore adding a food rescue process to your events.
Benefits to Food Rescue
Reducing Costs - Food rescue is a great way for organizations and businesses to track how much food would otherwise be wasted. This can be a benefit to developing strategies to improve purchasing decisions, buying and serving only the amount of food that is needed, and learning how to be more efficient in your preparation process.
Tax incentive for food donation - Businesses that make a donation of food are eligible to receive tax incentives, including the general federal tax deduction and enhanced federal tax deduction for food donation.