Addressing Food Waste: California’s Bold Vision for Sustainability
In May 2023, California reinforced its position as a leader in sustainable food systems with the Upcycled Foods Summit, held at the San Francisco Convention Center from May 12th to May 14th. This annual event brought together 2,000+ attendees including food industry professionals, chefs, sustainability advocates, and food entrepreneurs, all focusing on creative solutions to combat food waste, upcycle food scraps, and build more resilient, circular food systems.
California has long been at the forefront of sustainability and innovation, and the summit underscored the state’s commitment to reducing food waste and addressing hunger by transforming waste into resources. As food waste continues to have significant environmental and economic consequences, California’s food industry continues to innovate with new solutions that benefit communities and the planet.
Tackling the Food Waste Crisis: Insights from Industry Leaders
The event’s keynote address was delivered by Tristram Stuart, a renowned food waste activist, author of Waste: Uncovering the Global Food Scandal, and founder of Feeding the 5,000, a campaign aimed at raising awareness about food waste. Stuart spoke about the critical need to rethink how food systems operate and how California can lead the way in addressing the global food waste crisis. “California is uniquely positioned to drive the change needed to reshape how we approach food waste,” Stuart said. “The solutions are already here, and they’re thriving in California.”
Stuart’s remarks set the stage for a series of discussions focused on the massive scale of food waste and how local solutions are helping to mitigate its effects on the environment. His call to action resonated deeply with the conference attendees, who were eager to explore actionable ways to reduce food waste on both a local and global level.
Innovative Solutions in Upcycled Food Products
A major theme of the Upcycled Foods Summit was the potential for upcycled food products—food that would otherwise be wasted but is transformed into something new and valuable. Companies in California are leading the way in this space, offering innovative products that tackle food waste while also promoting sustainability and nutrition.
ReGrained, a San Francisco-based company, is at the forefront of this upcycling movement. They create high-protein, high-fiber snack bars from spent grains left over from the brewing process. Founder Dan Kurzrock explained how their technology allows them to upcycle the grains that would typically be discarded, creating delicious and nutritious snacks. “Upcycling ingredients not only reduces food waste but also provides consumers with more sustainable, nutritious options,” Kurzrock said. Their SuperGrain+ Bars are made from ingredients that would otherwise be wasted and are available in markets across the country.
Another standout company at the summit was Ample Foods, which focuses on upcycling vegetable skins—often discarded after produce is harvested—into tasty snacks. Their chips and crisps made from upcycled vegetable peels were a hit at the event, showcasing how even the most seemingly inconsequential parts of vegetables can be repurposed into marketable, eco-friendly products.
The Role of Technology in Reducing Food Waste
Technology was also a key topic at the summit, particularly how it can aid in food rescue efforts. One such company, Too Good To Go, has created a mobile app that connects consumers with restaurants, cafes, and stores to purchase surplus food at a discounted price, helping reduce food waste while providing affordable meals. The app is gaining popularity in California, with thousands of users helping to prevent perfectly good food from going to waste.
“We’re seeing huge support in California for this initiative,” said Alexandre Tanguy, General Manager of Too Good To Go. “People are excited to not only enjoy great food but also to be part of the solution to food waste.”
Another technology-driven company, Winnow Solutions, uses artificial intelligence to help commercial kitchens track food waste in real time. By using smart scales and sensors, kitchens can identify exactly what they are wasting, which enables them to adjust recipes, portions, and inventory to reduce waste. Many California-based restaurants are already using Winnow’s technology to cut down on food waste, saving money and contributing to sustainability goals.
California’s Role in the Future of Sustainable Food Systems
A key takeaway from the summit was the importance of collaboration in tackling food waste. Partnerships between food manufacturers, non-profits, restaurants, and local grocers are essential in creating long-term, sustainable solutions. California organizations like Food Forward—which collects surplus produce from farms and distributes it to food banks—are leading the way in food rescue efforts. They are helping to reduce waste while also alleviating hunger in local communities.
“The partnerships in California are growing stronger, and we’re seeing more businesses join the effort to reduce food waste,” said Food Forward’s CEO, Rick Nahmias. “Whether it’s large companies or small food producers, everyone has a role to play in making sure no food goes to waste.”
The Future of Food Waste: A Circular Economy
As the Upcycled Foods Summit 2023 came to a close, it was clear that California is leading the charge in reducing food waste and creating sustainable food systems. The companies and initiatives showcased at the summit demonstrated that there are viable solutions to the food waste crisis, and they are already being implemented in California’s food industry.
The conference also highlighted how California is becoming a model for the future of circular food systems, where food waste is seen as a resource rather than a problem. By continuing to support upcycling, promoting technological innovations, and encouraging collaboration between stakeholders, California is poised to further reduce food waste and create more sustainable food solutions.
California’s role in reducing food waste is set to inspire other regions to follow suit. The Upcycled Foods Summit reinforced the idea that food waste is not an inevitability—it’s an opportunity for innovation. With the state’s leadership, the future of food systems looks promising, with less waste, more sustainable practices, and better solutions for hunger.
As California continues to pave the way for food waste reduction, events like the Upcycled Foods Summit play a vital role in shaping the future of sustainable food systems. The state’s commitment to addressing food waste demonstrates that innovation, sustainability, and collaboration are the keys to creating a more resilient, equitable food future.
