Second Harvest Food Bank

• Location: Orange County, CA, USA

• Client: Second Harvest Food Bank 

• Typology: Distribution Center & Social Infrastructure

• Sector: Non-profit 

• Sustainability Goals: TRUE certified 

• AAW Services: TRUE Zero Waste consultant; Waste Audits

  In collaboration with partners, the Second Harvest Food Bank in Orange County is dedicated to providing dignified, equitable, and consistent access to nutritious food, laying the foundation for community health. All About Waste (AAW) proudly contributed to this noble cause pro bono, aligning with our commitment to promoting food and nutritional security for all.

  We are thrilled to announce that Second Harvest Food Bank has become the first food bank in the world to achieve TRUE Certification! This remarkable accomplishment was made possible through a powerful collaboration between Second Harvest and AAW, recognized with the esteemed Sustainable Innovation Award for Excellence in the Zero Waste & Circular Solutions category at the 2023 USGBC-LA Sustainable Innovation Awards.

  This achievement underscores our collective dedication to combating food insecurity and advancing zero-waste initiatives, all while empowering women in sustainable practices. We are immensely proud to have played a role in Second Harvest's journey to becoming TRUE Certified.

  With an alarming 80 million tons of food wasted annually in the United States, initiatives like TRUE Certification are crucial in addressing food waste and its impact on communities. Second Harvest of Orange County has been a local leader in this fight, focusing on food insecurity, social equity, and environmental stewardship.

  The journey to TRUE Certification was a significant undertaking for Second Harvest, involving the dedication of 95 staff members over several years. Their efforts have resulted in an impressive diversion rate of over 95%, achieved through composting, material reuse, recycling, and sustainable practices organization-wide.

  Armed with valuable experience, Second Harvest is now prepared to assist other food banks in their pursuit of TRUE Certification. Their journey emphasizes the importance of teamwork, education, and perseverance in achieving sustainable outcomes for both the community and the environment.