save on foods zero waste

Save-On-Foods announces plans to hit a zero food waste target

Jun 7, 2019 | 3:25 PM

PRINCE GEORGE–Save-on-Foods has set a goal to divert unwanted foods away from the trash and to good use.

The food that can still be consumed by humans is donated to food banks and other non-profits, while the food that is no longer safe to consume is donated to family farms for animal feed and compost.

“This solution was grown here in BC and we are confident it will work across the country.”-Darrell Jones, president of Save-On-Foods

All four Save-On-Foods in Prince George are taking part in the program that is currently on its 6th week. The food is being taken to the Salvation Army where it is distributed to members of the food bank, separated to be taken to family farms, or other organizations.

Food from the grocery stores is brought in every single day, from all four locations and undergo’s quite the process before making its way into the hands of the public.

“There is so much stuff coming in and it’s so wonderful to see the support that’s being poured out through the partnerships that we have with Save-On-Foods to the rest of the community.”-Captain Neil Wilkinson, Salvation Army

Each bin is colour coordinated for each store, when the load arrives the bins are separated according to what they have inside, weighed, photographed and scanned into a system that keeps track of the incoming items, and then finally is sorted to be given to the public.

Captain Neil Wilkinson with the Salvation Army says that volunteers are in much need as the influx of food comes in from stores.

The movement to a zero food waste grocery store chain was kickstarted by Save-On-Foods goal to meet a 50 percent food reduction target in six years, which they managed to meet in six months.

Currently 86 locations throughout the country have fully implemented the project and are in the process of getting another 35 locations on board.

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