News Releases from Region 04

EPA Recognizes Whole Foods Market in Marietta, Ga for Reducing Food Waste

ATLANTA - Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Regional Administrator Heather McTeer Toney recognized the Whole Foods Market Merchant Walk Marietta Store in Georgia for the store's achievements in EPA's Food Recovery Challenge. Whole Foods Market is the first store in the southeast to receive a regional award for Outstanding Achievement in Food Waste Prevention and Diversion.

The Food Recovery Challenge encourages organizations to donate and divert as much of their excess food as possible. Organizations that join EPA's challenge find that they can save money on disposal costs while helping to feed families in need and protect the environment by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

"EPA commends Whole Foods Market for being part of the Food Recovery Challenge commitment to reduce the amount of food waste that goes into landfills," said EPA Regional Administrator Heather McTeer Toney. "Food recovery not only helps to reduce environmental impact and combat climate change, but helps businesses save money on waste disposal and protect the environment."

"Whole Foods Market Merchant's Walk, is very proud of our accomplishments, with the Food Recovery Challenge, as well as our Waste Wise Re-Trac Program, and accept this Recognition Award with Great Pride in what we are doing for our Environment," said Whole Foods Market Merchants Walk Lead Receiver Rickey Mullinax.

This Award recognizes Whole Foods Market Merchant Walk, for Outstanding Achievement in Food Waste Prevention and Diversion for 2014. This Store achieved a diversion rate of 85% of what would normally be land disposed. EPA Region 4 celebrates this store, its management and team members for the diligence, dedication and commitment to make a sustainable environmental difference in our community

Nationwide, wasted food contributes a significant amount to landfills-more than 36 million tons in 2011 alone. As the food decomposes, it creates methane, a potent greenhouse gas with 21 times the global warming potential of carbon dioxide. By donating excess food instead, businesses, schools, and organizations can help the environment while providing safe and healthy meals to some of the 50 million Americans who do not have access to enough food.

More about the Food Recovery Challenge, and how your organization can join:
http://www.epa.gov/foodrecoverychallenge/

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