Natural System

Opportunity Area #15 – Establish a Sustainable Regional Food Production Network to Ensure Healthy Food Access and Target Zero Waste

Food recovery is a central focus of Hamilton County’s R3Source program, whose mission includes reducing the reliance on landfills through waste reduction, reuse, and recycling programs. In 2021, the Wasted Food Stops With Us campaign was launched and has since distributed over $150,000 in Hamilton County for projects focused on small-scale community compost and food rescue. The Green Umbrella – Regional Sustainability Alliance published the 2019 State of Wasted Food in Greater Cincinnati report and continues to support regional efforts that increase food security and reduce food waste across the region.

Source: US EPA

Policy Recommendations

15.A Encourage and implement more community-based food production and redistribution facilities including community gardens and food rescue programs.

15.B Solid waste districts in the region should provide or continue to provide education/incentives to reduce food waste, and provide best practices on minimizing commercial and household food waste including composting programs.

15.C Local governments should support solid waste districts efforts to work with restaurants, food retailers, event venues and intuitions e.g., schools, hospitals etc., to reduce the amount of food waste in the trash stream.

15.D Local governments should evaluate local food deserts and support efforts that minimize or eliminate barriers to accessing nutritious food options.