A Panel Discussion: The Intersection of Hunger and Food Waste

LA Times Food Bowl Event

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The problems of food waste and food insecurity co-exist in Los Angeles and throughout the U.S. While there are many nonprofit initiatives that acquire food that is being discarded for distribution to people facing hunger, there remains a huge opportunity to increase these efforts.

On May 13, 2017, a panel of experts came together at the Food Bank to discuss the state of food waste, food insecurity and innovative approaches to utilize surplus food to reduce hunger.

The discussion was moderated by Los Angeles Times Test Kitchen Director Noelle Carter.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for this important discussion. While the core work of the Food Bank is to fight hunger for families and individuals in need, we know that the future of our community depends on the health of our environment. That’s why we are excited to be part of the conversation around reducing the amount of food waste that is going into our municipal landfills.

Five people sit on a stage engaging in a panel discussion. Behind them, shelves stacked with food boxes set the scene. A "Los Angeles Regional Food Bank" banner above, as part of the LA Times Food Bowl, reads "The Intersection of Hunger and Food Waste.

A group of people sits in chairs facing a speaker holding a microphone in an indoor setting. Nearby, a man in a suit stands by. In the background, shelves with boxes from the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank accompany a table with refreshments, underscoring their mission to combat hunger.

A pile of vibrant orange tangerines, sourced from the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank, with a single lemon and lime prominently displayed on top, adding a splash of yellow and green to the image.

A panel discussion at the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank event features four speakers on stage. The backdrop showcases shelves of food boxes. Attendees are seated, listening intently as banners proclaim "Food Bank" and "Food Bowl.

A pile of fresh oranges, with vibrant orange peels, closely stacked together, ready to bring a burst of citrus flavor to those in need at the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank.

A close-up of a pile of apples, showcasing vibrant shades of red and yellow. Some apples bear stickers, reflecting their journey through the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank to nourish communities in need.

Folks seated on folding chairs in a warehouse-like setting, attentively watching something out of frame. The chairs are neatly arranged in rows against a backdrop of stocked goods on shelves at the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank, creating an informal and casual atmosphere.

A seated woman with curly hair speaks into a microphone during a meeting at the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank. Other attendees are in folding chairs, some taking notes. The indoor setting is filled with casually dressed individuals listening attentively.

A woman with red hair, wearing jeans and a black sweater, sits on a foldable chair holding a microphone, engaged in conversation. Several people are seated around her in a casual indoor setting at the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank.

We are also grateful for the panelists who gave of their time and wisdom for this event. The more understanding and collaboration we can build around the issues of hunger and food waste-and the connection between the two-the better we’ll be at finding creative, sustainable solutions.