In the United States, food waste is a significant issue, with an estimated 30% to 40% of food produced going to waste. Recent discussions at Progressive Grocer’s Grocery Impact event in Orlando, Florida, highlighted innovative collective efforts to tackle this crisis. Phil Collins, senior national account executive at Denali, and Christina Glentis, lead buyer from Martie, shared insights on initiatives aimed at optimizing food stocks and reducing landfill contributions while addressing food insecurity.
Glentis emphasized her personal commitment to curbing food waste, drawing on her experience as part of a team of co-founders who recognized the problem of surplus food as food producers. They noted that there was a lack of avenues for selling overstock items. This revelation led to the creation of Martie, which partners with brands to purchase surplus inventory and deliver discounted, shelf-stable groceries to consumers. This unique business model not only helps prevent edible food from being discarded but also provides savings for consumers, making it a win-win situation.
On the technical side, Collins discussed Denali’s efforts in sustainability, which began ten years ago with wastewater treatment services but have since expanded into addressing the food waste dilemma. By collaborating with retailers and restaurants, Denali collects food waste across thousands of locations and channels nutrients back into the ecosystem—transforming waste into animal feed, compost, and energy. This system creates a more circular economy, enabling a more sustainable food supply chain.
A key insight shared during the event was the juxtaposition of food waste and food insecurity. Glentis pointed out, “About 40% of food gets thrown away, but in spite of that, there are still 44 million Americans faced with food insecurities.” The approaches discussed at the event aim to combat both issues simultaneously: reducing landfill waste while ensuring access to quality food.
Denali’s method relies heavily on data analysis to drive its operations and partnerships. Collins explained that they offer their partners ongoing insights rather than setting up standalone recycling systems. This transparency is essential in building trust with consumers. Both Collins and Glentis emphasized that the reason surplus products might appear on their shelves is not due to issues with the food itself but rather supply chain challenges that they aim to resolve.
Technological advancements play a crucial role in enhancing the efficiency of these food waste programs. Martie is actively developing proprietary AI technology to streamline operations, ensuring that food reaches customers quickly and efficiently. Similarly, Collins revealed Denali’s new Zero De-Pack initiative—partnering with Walmart and Sam’s Club—which utilizes de-packaging machines. This innovation allows packaged food waste to be processed more effectively, further reducing the volume of waste sent to landfills.
As Denali and Martie demonstrate, tackling the food waste crisis benefits not only the environment but also helps address social issues like food insecurity. By redirecting surplus food to communities in need, they create a simplified and sustainable model for handling food resources. Denali has also started packaging compost derived from their processes, allowing retail partners to sell the compost and generate additional revenue.
In conclusion, the combined efforts of companies like Denali and Martie represent a proactive stance against food waste and insecurity. Their initiatives illustrate how innovative thinking paired with technology can yield fruitful results for both the environment and society as a whole. As food waste continues to be a pressing concern, following these models can inspire more industry players to join the movement toward efficiency and sustainability in food distribution.
Promoting sustainable practices not only reduces the impact on landfills but can also foster a culture of accountability and care for the broader community. By working together and leveraging each organization’s strengths, progress can be made in creating a food system that minimizes waste while maximizing value for those who need it most.