Ohio

Helpful Ohio Wasted Food Resources

• Food Scrap Processors in Ohio
  • The Center for EcoTechnology developed this document, which delves into the landscape of food scrap recycling processors in Ohio, aiming to shed light on the initiatives, technologies, and organizations that contribute to the reduction of food waste and the promotion of a circular economy.

• Ohio EPA Food Scraps Recovery Initiative
  • This webpage provides a list of food banks in the state, tips for composting at home, grant opportunities, and composting regulations. As an added resource, the Ohio EPA has created a Food Waste Map that identifies the location of composting programs in-state. Additional grant opportunities from the Ohio EPA are available through its Recycling and Litter Prevention Program.

• Ohio Association of Food Banks
  • This network assists Feeding America foodbanks in Ohio to connect people in need to food and other resources and includes links to food banks, food pantries, and soup kitchens in the state.

• Food Recovery Network- Ohio Chapters
  • With chapters located at colleges in communities around Ohio, this resource highlights the efforts of participants who are reducing food waste in campus communities.

• Organics Recycling Association of Ohio
  • Supporting growth in the organics recycling industry, this network encourages educational and networking opportunities. The website includes an Ohio Compost Facility Training manual, upcoming events, and links to grant opportunities. The organization also formed a chapter of the US Composting Council, the Ohio Organics Council of the US Composting Council.

• Ohio Sustainable Business Council Food Waste Reduction Resources
  • Focusing on prevention, reuse, and composting, this site provides links to resources and organizations that support Ohio businesses in reducing and redirecting wasted food.

• Food Safety Trifold for Cleveland Department of Public Health
  • CET partnered with the Cleveland Department of Public Health to produce a handout on the best practices for food donation. As health inspectors engage with food-permitted businesses that may have foods fit for donation, this trifold can be shared to encourage food safety standards.

• Hamilton County Resource
  • Offering technical assistance for businesses, the district coordinates a Reduce Waste at Work initiative that includes resources to engage employees, reduce wasted food, and identify opportunities for recycling. Additional sector-specific support is available for area Bars and Restaurants, as well as Local Schools, which can receive support for establishing a composting program, either on-site or off-site.

• Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio (SWACO)
  • The Central Ohio Food Waste Initiative: Save More than Food raises awareness about the issue of food waste with a goal of cutting food waste in half by 2030. Food Businesses can review a wide variety of resources shared through this initiative, ranging from how to engage staff and measure food waste to tips for donating edible food. The At School resources include lesson plans, activities, toolkits, and more to support food recovery and diversion.

• Ohio State University Food Waste Collaborative
  • Comprised of students, researchers, and practitioners, this collaborative addresses food waste reduction as a component of a healthy, sustainable food system.

• The Business Case for Reducing Waste
  • CET captured a few stories of businesses that bring wasted food prevention to life. Hear from these businesses on how they track waste, repurpose surplus, and reduce waste, ultimately leading to creative reuse and potential savings measures.