Members of the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality joined food bank and food hub leaders from around the state at the Food Shuttle Farm for the inaugural Food Rescue Roundtable to address efforts to reduce food waste and improve the effectiveness of hunger relief. NC Department of Environmental Quality Secretary Elizabeth Biser met with Inter-Faith Food Shuttle President and CEO L. Ron Pringle, Farmer FoodShare Executive Director Kelly Crane, Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest NC VP of Operations Lisa Richardson, and Food Bank of the Albemarle Partner Engagement and Capacity Manager Kelly Hoeltzel to gain some insight on how their organizations are working to divert usable food from landfills and recover it for neighbors across our state who need it most.
Secretary Elizabeth Biser speaks to the roundtable attendees
All attendees offered their unique perspectives on the issues at hand and provided viewpoints on matters regarding funding, resources, staffing, and innovative approaches to bolster the positive environmental impact of hunger relief. The meeting gave insight into current areas of support from NC DEQ and established plans for a larger scale follow-up event to encourage statewide focus on state and federal support and possible funding of prospective projects.
“What an amazing meeting with Secretary Biser,” said the Food Shuttle’s L. Ron Pringle. “She and her team’s commitment to improving the quality of life for all our neighbors deeply aligns with our mission and values. I’m looking forward to our partnership as we grow forward together.”