PRESS AVAILABILITY: Rep. Tarr Joins Campaign to Raise Awareness about Food Waste in Alaska

February 2, 2016

Rep. Tarr Introduces a Resolution Encouraging Businesses to Reduce, Recover, and Recycle Food Waste

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 2, 2016

Juneau – Representative Geran Tarr (D-Anchorage) will join representatives of the Food Bank of Alaska, the Alaska Food Coalition, the University of Alaska’s Cooperative Extension Service, and the Glory Hole in Juneau for a press availability Wednesday morning at 9:30. The event is in conjunction with a campaign to reduce food waste across the nation. In addition, Rep. Tarr will introduce a resolution encouraging a reduction in food waste in Alaska during Wednesday’s House Floor session.

“The Food Bank of Alaska and our partners are excited about the work that Representative Tarr is doing to raise awareness about food waste,” said Cara Durr, the Senior Manager of Public Engagement for the Food Bank of Alaska. “Last year, the Food Bank of Alaska was able to rescue 5 million pounds of safe, edible food that might have otherwise gone to waste and divert it to hungry Alaskans. But we know there is more to do.”

Americans produce an estimated 70 billion pounds of food waste each year. In Alaska, approximately one in seven residents struggle with hunger, and an estimated 20% of children in Alaska live in homes that may not have enough to eat.

“It’s unacceptable that so many people are struggling with hunger when billions of pounds of food are wasted every year,” said Rep. Tarr. “I’m hopeful that by raising awareness of this under-reported issue, we can meet the goal put forward by the Secretary of Agriculture to reduce food loss and waste by 50% by 2030.”

The public and media are welcome to attend. For media unable to attend in person, participation is available by teleconference by calling toll free at (844) 586-9085.