Clean Memphis, the 16-year-old grassroots organization that reduces food waste and implements sustainable practices, has received a $300,000 grant from the Hilton Global Foundation to expand its “food rescue” program, to partner with local hotels to reduce the food waste, and address food insecurity in Memphis and Shelby County.
The two-year grant is part of the Hilton Global Foundation’s $5.3 million commitment to 16 organizations and is focused on environmental conservation, biodiversity, and economy development.
“The support from the Hilton Global Foundation allows us to scale our efforts and make a greater impact on food insecurity for our neighbors,” said Janet Boscarino, Clean Memphis Executive Director. “With this partnership, we can rescue more food that would otherwise go to waste and provide much-needed assistance to families and individuals seeking support.”
November 1, 2023, Clean Memphis’ “Best Practice
Clean Memphis’ food rescue program works with local restaurants, businesses, and organizations to recover surplus food and redistribute it to shelters, food pantries, and other community partners. Since the program’s inception, Clean Memphis has rescued tens of thousands of pounds of food, contributing to the organization’s broader goal of creating a cleaner, greener, and more equitable community. As a program of Clean Memphis, Project Green Fork is committed to promoting sustainable practices within the foodservice industry – including mitigating food waste and redirecting surplus food to those in need.
About Clean Memphis
Clean Memphis was founded in 2008 to foster a cleaner and resilient Memphis. We work to inspire Memphians to be environmental stewards grounded in civic responsibility. In 2020, Clean Memphis developed a strategic plan, using research from other peer cities, to build the beginning stages of a zero waste, circular economy in Memphis and Shelby County. We engage leadership with data to drive policy change that supports sustainability in Memphis, empower community leaders with resources and tools to beautify their neighborhoods, and implement comprehensive environmental education programs in schools and restaurants. Our goal is to build a more sustainable Memphis for all. Visit cleanmemphis.org to learn more.
About Project Green Fork
A program of Clean Memphis, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, Project Green Fork fosters sustainability within the Mid-South’s culinary landscape. Committed to reducing environmental impact, the program collaborates with local restaurants and community organizations to curb food waste and implement sustainable practices. Through comprehensive assessments and practical solutions, Project Green Fork provides communities with education and operational support to reduce food waste and reshape the local food system. To learn more, visit projectgreenfork.org.
