2023 Michigan Food Waste Reduction Road Map – Grand Rapids

Event Date: 12/11/2023

Event Time: 1:30 pm

Event Ends: 3:00 pm

Cost: Free

Venue: Gordon Food Service - 1300 Gezon Parkway SW Wyoming, MI 49509

Organizer: West Michigan Sustainable Business Forum & Gordon Food Service

Michigan Sustainable Business Forum and Gordon Food Service are hosting a networking and educational event discussing the Michigan Food System Waste Reduction RoadMap. As part of the Mi Healthy Climate Plan, Michigan has made a commitment to reduce food loss and waste in the state by half over the next decade. Developed through a year-long stakeholder process, the Michigan Food System Waste Reduction RoadMap highlights strategies to achieve that goal, detailing the current state of practice and opportunities for improving public policy and industry-led solutions.

The event will provide an opportunity for networking, details on the current state of practice and opportunities for improving public policy and industry-led solutions, and recommendations to the state, including:

  • Potential incentives, funding mechanisms, technical assistance, outreach, policy changes, and other programs that could be developed to reduce food waste among businesses and institutions
  • Collaboration and the creation of a shared language for businesses and institutions in the farming, food manufacturing, foodservice and grocery retail sectors
  • Overview of findings throughout the stakeholder involvement process that highlight the need for a sense of urgency to leverage opportunities in Michigan, the business case for food waste prevention, and a call for elevated investment from both the private and public sectors to develop strategies for achieving this reduction goal

Light snacks and beverages will be provided. 

Speakers Include:

  • Daniel Schoonmaker, Michigan Sustainable Business Forum
  • Rose Spickler, Michigan Sustainable Business Forum
  • Shawn Kohlhaas, Culinary Cultivations
  • Amy Gautraud, Stewardship Manager, Gordon Food Service
  • Valerie Norton, Brand Manager, Gordon Food Service
English