Local Festival Showcases Ways to Combat Food Waste

“The Great Food Makeover – A No Food Waste Fest” presented by Saving Grace Perishable Food Rescue (www.savinggracefoodrescue.org) will be held on October 8 from noon to 4 p.m. at Turner Park in Midtown Crossing.

In preparation for this event, Produce from the Heart volunteers will visit area farms to glean vegetables and fruits that would otherwise be plowed into the fields as excess or dumped in the landfill because they are not cosmetically perfect. ProStart culinary arts students from local high schools will help chop the produce. Event head chef Kevin Newlin of The Salvation Army Kroc Center and other local chefs will then prepare autumn stew, which will be served at the event.

The family-friendly event also includes cooking demonstrations by local chefs, music, children’s activities, and interactive displays designed to educate visitors about food waste and inspire them to take action at home and in the community.

Funds raised from the event will support Saving Grace’s perishable food pipeline that connects excess meat, produce, dairy and grain products from grocery stores, restaurants, caterers and other food purveyors with local nonprofit agencies that feed the hungry in our community.

Tickets to The Great Food Makeover are $12 in advance or $15 at the door; children five and under are free. The VIP Brunch from 11 a.m. to noon is $50 and includes admission to the afternoon event. Visit www.savinggracefoodrescue.org for more information.