Why this matters is due to the fact that eight percent of global greenhouse gas emissions are attributed to food waste . �hen we toss still-edible food into the trash , it ends up in landfi lls , where it generates methane and according to the �S Environmental Protection Agency , 3� percent of all methane emissions in the �S come from landfi lls .
Cutting global food waste in half by 2030 is one of the top priorities of the United Nations and one of the 17 sustainable development goals . Further , food waste reduction is a priority on the local level as well . In 20�� , San Diego County ’ s greenhouse gas ( �H� ) emissions were 3.2 million metric tons - the equivalent of driving to the moon and back �� , ��� times� Solid waste was the third largest emissions sector , accounting for 11 % of total GHGs . The county aims to reduce annual �H� emissions to �0 percent below 20�� levels by 2030 and �� percent below 20�� levels by 2050 .
Despite the pandemic , the increased need for food assistance , and signifi cant disruptions to the food system , Feeding San Diego has remained true to its mission . While the percentage of food it has been able to rescue this year has decreased to 69 percent , food rescue remains the primary means of sourcing food for the organization .
In honor of the 51st anniversary of Earth Month , Feeding San Diego has launched a campaign called Feed People , Not Landfi lls . If you are feeling inspired to learn more about food waste and how you can be a part of the solution , Feeding San Diego is hosting a virtual fi lm screening of “ Wasted ! The Story of Food Waste ” on Thursday , April 22 . The David C . Copley Foundation has also generously announced a match : every donation made to Feeding San Diego between April 16 and April 22 will be matched , dollar for dollar , up to $ 25,000 .
The solution to ending hunger and reducing food waste will take all of us . To learn more , go to www . feedingsandiego . org .
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