In September 2015, the IWRC announced a new grant-funded project - Rural Iowa Food Waste Reduction.
The project, funded by the Rural Utilities Service of the United States Department of Agriculture, allowed the IWRC to provide free on-site, hands-on technical assistance to Iowa food waste generators in select rural counties of Iowa. Multiple types of assistance were made available to entities in the selected counties.
Case Studies
Greene County Medical Center, Jefferson, IA
The cafeteria at the Greene County Medical Center is open seven days a week and serves 350-400 meals per day to patients, the community and employees, as well as 1-12 meals per day to the local jail.
Poweshiek County Jail, Montezuma, IA
Correctional facilities across the country are taking the initiative to reduce the amount of food wasted on a daily basis. It's not only better for the environment, but it results in lowering disposal costs.
Central Community School District, Elkader, IA
One of the Central Community School's activities is the Central Green Team, a group of students working to make a difference in the environment we live in. In the spring of 2015, the club started a compost pile under the direction of science teacher, Ann Gritzner. Students collected both kitchen scraps, napkins, and food waste coming from student's trays and began a small composting operation behind the school.
Downloads
- Tracking Sheet - Waste Logbook for Tracking and Recording Kitchen Food Waste
- Form - Cafeteria Waste Audit Form for Schools
- Infographic - Eight Tips to Reduce Food Waste
Related Regulatory Information
Read More About This Project
- Fact Sheet - Rural Iowa Food Waste Reduction Project
- Blog Post - How One Iowa School is Reducing Food Waste
- Blog Post - Eight Tips to Reduce Your Food Waste
This project began October 1, 2015 and was completed on September 30, 2016.
This material is based upon work supported under a grant by the Rural Utilities Service United States Department of Agriculture. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in the material are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the Rural Utilities Service.
The Iowa Waste Reduction Center and the University of Northern Iowa are equal opportunity providers and employers.