Community groups learn about the prevention of food waste

Members of community groups across Navan attended the the launch of the 'Too Good To Waste' Lunch and Learn project in the Unity Centre in Windtown last week.

The event was hosted by Meath County Council’s Climate Action Team and the event was aimed at raising awareness around food waste, and the emissions and effects associated with food waste in landfill. It was also aimed at promoting sustainable eating habits to reduce food waste.

The event was organised in conjunction with the FoodCloud company who re-distributes surplus foods. FoodCloud use a technology platform to directly connect food retailers with surplus or excess food to local community groups thus avoiding food waste.

The FoodCloud Kitchen is Ireland's first zero-waste food truck and it allows them to take surplus food to the road, helping them to share in the vision of a world where no good food goes to waste.

The dishes served by the Food Cloud Kitchen are prepared with rescued produce, allowing diners to see just how tasty a positive social and environmental impact can be. A half hour demonstration took place and was followed by a free meals prepared by the kitchen.

Meath County Council's Climate Action Plan 2024-2029 aims to reduce Green House Gas Emissions (GHGs) by 51 per cent by 2050 and eight to ten per cent of greenhouse gases are related to food waste. The diversion of food waste from landfill is an important action that everyone can contribute positively to.

The Mayor of Navan, Cllr Eddie Fennessy said that 10 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions from landfill are caused by food waste.

"Slight changes in how we treat our food can help to significantly reduce those emissions. We need to better educate ourselves and change our behaviour around food and unnecessary waste. Lots of resources are used up during the food production process, and even more in its disposal. It's impact on the environment is significant.

"Simple measures such as meal planning and smaller portions will not only cut the cost of a weekly shop, it would also go a long way towards reducing the quantity of food we send to landfill.

"I thank the council for inviting FoodCloud to speak in Navan. It was an important presentation and all of the residents and community groups in attendance certainly benefited from it's message," he said.