Phoenix, AZ Food Waste Program Enters Phase 2, Office Offers Micro-Grants

Phoenix, Ariz. is taking its food waste program, aimed at helping restaurants cut down food waste, to its second phase, building on early success.

During Phoenix’s Project REDUCE first phase, the program helped nine restaurants divert over 30,000 pounds of food waste from landfills. Phase 2 of the project looks to build on what worked in Phase 1 and help other restaurants with tailor-made food waste reduction programs that fit their own needs.

Additionally, Phoenix’s Office of Environmental Programs is now offering micro-grants to locally-owned restaurants in the downtown area. The grants are worth up to $2,000.

“We understand that food waste is one of the major contributors to GHG emissions,” said Kailey Mullis, Project REDUCE project lead.

“And we also know that Arizona is one of the highest ranked for producing food waste, so we understand that there’s definitely a need there. But the cost savings is huge for restaurants, so it's a win-win.”

Mullis suggests Phase 2 could help locations set up a waste tracking process or help with menu planning and inventory management.

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