Here’s why…
WHY IS A GROCER WHO IS IN THE BUSINESS OF SELLING FOOD TALKING ABOUT FOOD WASTE?
Our Purpose is to protect and restore the environment. It would be hypocritical for us to fight climate change without encouraging customers to think before they buy.
The Environmental Impact of Food
Have you ever thought about all of the energy, emissions, and resources it takes to grow, ship, process, and package the food you eat?
- Deforestation
- Loss of carbon in soil due to unsustainable practices
- Methane emissions
- Fertilizer/ manure emissions
- Machinery emissions
- Processing of crops into feed
- Emissions from converting raw agricultural products into final food items
- Emissions from the production of packaging materials
- Emissions from energy use in the transport of food items
- Emissions from energy use in refrigeration and other retail processes (We have been powered by 100% renewable energy since 2005)
- Material transport and end of life disposal
How to Reduce Food Waste
Mindful Shopping
We want to encourage you to be mindful when shopping- don’t overbuy, think of what you can realistically consume before your next trip, and try to keep a mental tab of what’s in your refrigerator so you can plan to consume it all before it goes bad!
Donate to food banks
Did you know that MOM’s stores donate unsold food to over 60 different local food banks, soup kitchens, and churches? This program is not only good for our community, but it also cuts down on food waste.
In the first six months of 2020, we donated over $300,000 worth of edible food to more than 40 local food banks.
Upcycled Food at MOM’s
These brands are leading the upcycled food industry! Did you know upcycled food reduces methane emissions, conserves resources, and rescues nutrients that would otherwise be lost? Click on the logos below to learn about a few of the upcycled food & personal care products we offer!
Meet (a Few of) our Food bank Partners
Purpose: To fight food waste and end hunger.
Founded in 2011, Nourish Now provides food with dignity to those in need to address hunger and food waste in Montgomery County, MD, and the Washington DC metropolitan area.
Purpose: Provide the food that people need today to build brighter futures tomorrow.
The Capital Area Food Bank partners with over 450 non-profit organizations in the DC area to provide 30 million meals to almost half a million area residents each year.
Purpose: To help our neighbors who are food insecure.
Celestial Manna picks up food that would otherwise be discarded and distributes it to communities in need throughout DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia. Celestial Manna knows that economic hardships affect every area of life, and so they recover and donate clothing, furniture, and household goods as well.
Animal Sanctuary Partners
We partner with local animal rescue centers (and backyard chicken owners, gerbil moms, and local gardeners) to ensure our produce scraps and trimmings stay out of landfills.
Baltimore County, MD
Whispering Rise is a sanctuary for surrendered and rescued potbelly pigs who are products of the pet pig trade and educate the public about them.
Chester County, PA
The mission of Chenoa Manor is to be a sanctuary for both farm and exotic animals, empower youth through educational programs, and promote compassion for nature and animals.
Columbia, MD
Friends of Rabbits rescues, rehabilitates, and finds homes for more than 200 rabbits each year.
Compost
Food Scraps Are Not Garbage
Composting saves energy
Composting reduces greenhouse gas emissions that cause climate change
Composting enhances farmland productivity
MOM’s Compost Partners
Veterans Compost
This veteran-owned business turns food scraps into high-quality organic compost in MD, DC, and VA. They are the only vermicomposting (commercial worm composting) operation in Maryland and are 100% Wind-Powered.
Compost Crew
Compost Crew, a locally owned business based in Rockville, MD, was formed in 2011 in Montgomery County. The company was founded with the objective of rescuing unwanted food scraps from the landfill, helping to retain valuable nutrients by converting the food scraps into a rich soil amendment – compost.
Sea Moss Exfoliator
Made from upcycled grapes used in wine production
Scrubbing Clay
Made from spent coffee grounds
Lip Balm and Deodorant
Made from upcycled unloved fruit
Chips
Made from upcycled vegetable juice pulp
Okara Flour
Made from upcycled soy milk production leftovers
Oat Milk Flour
Made from upcycled oat milk pulp
Brownie Mix
Made from upcycled soy milk production leftovers
Prebiotic Beverage
Made from upcycled avocado pits
Next Level Food Waste Prevention
Our CEO Scott took eliminating food waste to the next level! Read about his thoughts in this blog post.