McCarthy launches Food Steward's Initiative during MLK Jr. Day of Service

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Gina McCarthy took part in Martin Luther King Jr. National Day of Service by serving breakfast at Miriam’s Kitchen in Washington D.C., and took the opportunity to launch the EPA’s new Food Steward’s Initiative.

The initiative helps faith and community groups reduce their food waste, giving them a toolkit with tips and resources in return for a pledge to become a Food Steward. Measures in the toolkit include kitchen organization ideas and dish recipes that can be made using extra food.

“Faith communities exemplify caring for the well-being of all people and are leaders in being responsible stewards of our resources for current and future generations,” McCarthy said. “Reducing, donating, and composting excess food is a triple win that protects the environment, cares for the global human family, and saves organizations and Americans money.”

McCarthy joined Western Presbyterian Church and Miriam’s Kitchen in highlighting the benefits that can be reaped from reducing food waste, cooking a roasted pumpkin salad with Executive Chef Ciji Wagner with food that would otherwise have gone to the landfill. More food waste ends up at landfills than any other material, and the average family spends approximately $1,600 on food that it discards each year.