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| SFCI Team "picking the bowl" post-Falcons game |
Challenges abound at food courts for implementing effective material management systems:
- Common property waste and recycling contracts for the entire property
- Landlord | tenant relationships with contractual legal restrictions and obligations
- Franchisee | franchisor relationships with contractual legal restrictions and obligations
- Consumer disposition and separation of food waste, recycling and trash
- Third party products brought into the food court not purchased from the Quick Service Restaurants (QSR) or retail outlets
- Food may be prepared in a commissary or off-site kitchen and transported to the QSR with minimal on-site preparation
- Multiple packaging items used in the front and back-of-house by QSR’s and the landlord or property manager
- Contracted custodial services by the landlord or property manager
In addition, each pilot category has its own unique challenges.
On June 15, 2015, Les Dames d’Escoffier International, Atlanta Chapter (LEDI | ATL) agreed to partner with Ei on a zero food waste journey at their prominent fundraiser Afternoon in the Country (AITC) hosted by the Inn at Serenbe within the Serenbe Community.
LDEI is a worldwide society of women dedicated to creating a culture in the community that fosters excellence and promotes the achievement of women in culinary professions through educational and charitable activities. Founded in New York in 1976 by Carol Brock, a food reporter for the New York Daily News, LDEI is a membership-by-invitation, philanthropic organization that provides education, networking opportunities and scholarship support.
The LDEI | ATL membership boasts nearly 100 prominent women in career paths ranging from professional chefs, restaurateurs, caterers, farmers, food retailers, event planners, cookbook authors, food journalists and historians, winemakers and wine industry professionals, food publicists, and culinary educators to hospitality executives.
Afternoon in the Country (AITC):
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| 2013 AFITC donation check to scholarship fund |
Known as one of Atlanta’s most unforgettable food and wine tasting events, AITC is a fund-raiser for local non-profits and scholarships for women in the culinary profession. The November 8, 2015 AITC is the event's 15th Anniversary, perfect timing to embark on formal zero food waste practices.
The 2014 AITC raised over $115,000 for its beneficiaries: Georgia Organics, Wholesome Wave, Global Growers Network, The Giving Kitchen, The Wylde Center, The Atlanta Community Food Bank and Atlanta Les Dames d’Escoffier International’s scholarship fund for women in the culinary, beverage and hospitality arts. Approximately 85% of the event’s net proceeds fund the beneficiaries.
Hosted by the Inn at Serenbe within the Serenbe Community, the AITC is held in an idyllic setting where nature, passion, creativity and community are valued. With over 1800 guests tasting delicious food samples served by nearly 40 prominent restaurants, hotels and caterers, there is a significant amount of food waste generated at the event. In the past, food waste was landfill-destined.
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| A crowd view under the main tent |
Working closely with the SFCI Co-Chair Doug Kunnemann of Natureworks & SMAT - Sustainable Material ACTION Team, LDEI | ATL is committed to creating zero food waste practices for the 2015 AITC. In future years, the practices will extend to overall zero waste practices. The intent is for the practices to segue into standard policy for all LDEI | ATL events and other annual events in the metro Atlanta area.
AITC Event Producer Sue Ann Morgan of ideaLand gives her strong support of the Ei | LDEI ATL partnership and bringing zero food waste practices to AITC:
AITC Event Producer Sue Ann Morgan of ideaLand gives her strong support of the Ei | LDEI ATL partnership and bringing zero food waste practices to AITC:
As Event Producer for Afternoon in the Country on behalf of Atlanta Les Dames d’Escoffier International and their beneficiaries, I am thrilled we now have Elemental Impact guiding us as we strive to create an extraordinary experience for our guests, raise money for great causes AND ensure that our event footprint is gentle on the earth.
Ei will serve as a media partner for AITC to document and publicize the zero food waste journey, including action steps taken, challenges and successes.
The 2014 Afternoon in the Country Video showcases the event flavor and importance to the culinary community and beyond. Ticket sales are open for the 2015 AITC - note the event sells out early every year!
The 2014 Afternoon in the Country Video showcases the event flavor and importance to the culinary community and beyond. Ticket sales are open for the 2015 AITC - note the event sells out early every year!
A zero food waste plan breaks down into three main categories, each equally important for an effective plan:
Food & Beverage (F&B) Serviceware:
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| Ken Fraser w/ EcoProducts educating on compostable packaging |
- Compostable packaging – all single-use f&b serviceware must be BPI Certified compostable; an exception is pre-packaged beverages in recyclable containers, such as bottled water.
- Education – event foodservice providers must be educated on the WHY, WHAT & HOW to serve f&b in compostable packaging; includes support with purchasing unique serving items.
- On-site Monitoring – volunteers visit foodservice operators upon arrival at event to observe f&b serving items provided by the establishment.
Food Waste Collection:
- Waste | recycling bins – for the first year a three-tier bin is used: 1> Food Waste, 2> Recycling, 3> Landfill; at future events the system evolves into a two-tier system: 1> Food Waste, 2> Recycling.
- Clear signage – the bins must be supported by clear signage designating proper disposal; visuals are most helpful.
- Monitor attendee disposal – volunteers assist attendees with disposal of items into proper bins to prevent contamination.
Food Waste Destination:
- Donation – ensure a plan is in-place for donation of leftover food in accordance with the Good Samaritan Food Donation Act.
- Compost – deliver remaining food waste, back & front-of-the-house, to a composting site operating within state food waste permit regulations.
- Animal feed – when compostable packaging is mixed with food waste it is not fit for animal consumption; food waste generated under the same roof as meat is often not permitted for animal feed pursuant to respective State Department of Agriculture regulations due to past disease outbreaks.
The zero food waste plan is simple with plenty of examples to follow; instilling new practices at a 15-year old event may prove interesting at times.
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| The first SFCI - LDEI | ATL meeting group |
With Doug's leadership, the SMAT members will share their vast array of experience garnered from guiding stadiums, event venues and corporate offices with zero food waste practices implementation. The SMAT members include Rick Lombardo of NaturBags, Tim Goodman of NatureWorks, Sarah Martell of Innovia Films and Sarah Martinez | Ken Fraser of EcoProducts.
On June 15, Ei Founder Holly Elmore and Doug met with LDEI | ATL Past President & AITC Event Chair Shelley Pedersen, LDEI | ATL President Gayle Skelton and Sue Ann to discuss the potential SFCI - LDEI | ATL. It was thrilling to witness sincere enthusiasm for the industry leadership role. Most importantly, the ladies understood the far-reaching impact of AITC implementing zero food waste practices. The meeting ended with a simple, profound YES to serve as the SFCI - LDEI | ATL.
Gayle voiced her enthusiastic support of the Ei | LDEI ATL partnership:
On June 15, Ei Founder Holly Elmore and Doug met with LDEI | ATL Past President & AITC Event Chair Shelley Pedersen, LDEI | ATL President Gayle Skelton and Sue Ann to discuss the potential SFCI - LDEI | ATL. It was thrilling to witness sincere enthusiasm for the industry leadership role. Most importantly, the ladies understood the far-reaching impact of AITC implementing zero food waste practices. The meeting ended with a simple, profound YES to serve as the SFCI - LDEI | ATL.
Gayle voiced her enthusiastic support of the Ei | LDEI ATL partnership:
Les Dames d'Escoffier International, a leader in the culinary arena, is 100% committed to organic, sustainability and enhancing the environmental condition of our Earth. Ei is the perfect partner for LDEI to take Afternoon in the Country, our largest fundraiser, to new dimensions. We are excited to serve as a trendsetter for zero food waste practices at future Atlanta festivals and beyond.
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| Holly accepting her Green Skillet Award |
With her 15 years as owner of Executive Catering & Events along with two restaurants, Holly is one of Atlanta's foodservice "old regime" and is close with many of the LDEI | ATL members. At the 2014 AITC, Holly was honored with the Green Skillet Award. The IMPACT Blog article, Ei Awards, Milestones & Recognition, features the prestigious, heart-warming honor. For a recap of Holly's long-standing, powerful foodservice industry relationships, visit The IMPACT Blog article, Annual NRA Show: fun, empowering & good for business!
The key ingredient for success - teamwork - is strongly established. Next steps include crafting a detailed action plan filled with education, communication and enthusiasm. Follow future blog articles to learn how easy zero food waste is accomplished at a premier event when the recipe is followed.
This is really a wonderful post.
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