ROCK ISLAND, Ill. (KWQC) – NEST Cafe was recently awarded the title of ‘Member of Food Rescue’ by the Food Rescue Partnership for its efforts to minimize food waste and the rate of food insecurity in the Quad Cities.
“When we look for a restaurant or organization to join our ‘Member of Food Rescue’ program, we want them to be located in our Quad Cities, we want them to donate food regularly,” said Christina McDonough, chairman of the Food Rescue Partnership. “NEST Café is a perfect example. They actually accept food donations, incorporate them into their dishes during the week and are looking into animal feed and compost. They are really following the EPA food recovery hierarchy to the fullest.”
Food insecurity is an urgent issue felt by many here in the Quad Cities.
“Approximately 8.9% of Scott County residents are food insecure and approximately 10.9% of Rock Island County residents are food insecure,” McDonough said.
Nationally, according to the Food Rescue Partnership, 40% of food in the United States ends up in landfills.
“It’s ridiculous how much food waste there is. For NEST, it was a natural fit because one of our commitments is to reduce food waste. For example, when people come, they can choose between half a plate and a full plate,” said Laura Mahn, Founder and Executive Director of NEST Cafe. “We want them to receive the amount they are going to eat so we don’t waste food. Being able to be part of a group and an organization that has similar values is very important, and to be recognized by them that we are doing a good job is exciting.”
NEST coffee serves an average of 40 to 45 people from across the economic spectrum a day.
“We would like to encourage other restaurants to look at the waste they have and ways to repurpose it in our community, especially knowing that people are having a hard time,” said Katie Thompson, chairman of the NEST Cafe board.
“I hope this can be an example and that others will join some efforts to reduce food waste,” Mahn said.
Some tips from the Food Rescue Partnership to reduce food waste are to eat older foods first and eat leftovers for lunch the next day.
The Food Rescue Partnership started the “Member of Food Rescue” program in 2016. More than 20 local food establishments are now in the program.
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