Miami Beach launches 120-day pilot to connect food businesses with surplus-food donors
The voluntary program, sponsored by Commissioner Laura Dominguez, is free to businesses and lists four food recovery groups. Outreach runs through January.
Miami Beach has started a voluntary, 120-day pilot program to help grocery stores and restaurants pass surplus food to local food recovery organizations instead of throwing it out, the city announced Tuesday.
The program is an educational effort sponsored by Commissioner Laura Dominguez. It is aimed mainly at large food retailers of 25,000 square feet or more, but any food business in the city can take part. Materials are going to more than 700 food retail businesses through city newsletters and social media, with outreach running through January.
According to the city, there is no cost to businesses and no liability for donors. Dominguez said each recovery organization has its own process for scheduling and streamlining donations.
A one-page information sheet lists direct contacts for four organizations: Food Rescue US, Farm Share, Nourish Miami and Feeding South Florida. The city said more groups can be added during the pilot. Businesses contact the organization that fits their operation to begin donating.
Businesses will also be asked to complete a short survey about their current experience with surplus food, which the city said will help inform possible next steps to reduce food waste.
Mayor Steven Meiner encouraged restaurants and food retailers to take part. The city said diverting food from landfills also reduces methane emissions and disposal.
The city’s press office can be reached at 305-673-7575.
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