Service providers launch food waste program

The Jesus Center and North State Food Bank are partnering to prevent food waste in Butte County, thanks to a $499,789 competitive grant from CalRecycle, according to a release.

Rather than be sent to the landfill, edible food from local grocery stores, schools and restaurants will be served in center meals or within the food bank’s network. Inedible food will be composted at the Jesus Center farm or anaerobically digested at North State Rendering.

The funding will also allow the center to add staff, software, vehicles and kitchen equipment, and expand its kitchen vocational training program. The food bank will increase its mass cold storage capacity and technology.

Jesus Center Executive Director Laura Cootsona said the program will deliver food to “the most vulnerable: those without homes and those battling poverty.”