U. S. EPA Official to Attend Thursday’s Green Film about Food Waste & Food Rescue

In observance of this season of holiday feasts, Montclair’s Environmental Affairs office and Community Green present an eye-opening film about food waste and food rescue this Thursday, November 19, 6:30 p.m. at the Public Library, 50 So. Fullerton Avenue. All events at the Library are free.

“Just Eat It” is a documentary that dives into the question of how and why so much of the food produced in America is wasted – from farm, through retail, all the way to your own fridge – in a nation where one in ten people is food insecure.

We all love food. As a society, we devour countless cooking shows, culinary magazines, and foodie blogs. So how could we possibly be throwing nearly 50% of it in the trash?

Food waste is also a climate issue, because in a landfill our vast quantities of discarded foods decompose anaerobically, creating methane, a potent greenhouse gas; landfills are the third-largest source of human-related methane emissions in the U.S., accounting for almost 20% of these emissions.

After catching a glimpse of the billions of dollars of perfectly good food that is tossed away each year, foodie filmmakers Jen and Grant pledge to quit grocery shopping “cold turkey” – and survive only on foods that have been discarded.

The images they capture of squandered groceries are shocking yet also strangely compelling, but as they turn full tilt to food rescue, the “thrill of the find” has unexpected consequences.

“Just Eat It” looks at our systemic obsession with expiration dates, perfect produce, and portion size, revealing the core of a seemingly insignificant issue that has devastating consequences around the globe. The film brings farmers, retailers, inspiring groups and consumers to the table for a story that is equal parts education and delicious entertainment.

And we are especially excited to announce that a representative from the NYC headquarters of the U.S. EPA will join us, to explain their new Food Waste Prevention Program, and to offer steps that every single person, business, or institution can take to prevent the waste of food.

Please join us, and bring a friend, a family member, or your neighbor for this powerful film screening, and an open public discussion afterwards.

For further questions, contact the office of Environmental Affairs at (973) 509-5721, or, grussell@montclairnjusa.org.