Dubbed “Project Leftover,” the Diplomático Rum program aims to create and connect a network of local nonprofit food rescue organizations with restaurants and bars whose food surplus would previously go unused, while helping reduce their carbon footprints and directly reduce local food insecurity. Restaurants can also realize additional savings through an enhanced tax deduction designed to incentivize businesses to donate food.
Food waste is a global problem and major contributor to climate change. Additionally, each year just in the US, 72 billion pounds of food goes to waste while 42 million people face hunger2. Both food insecurity and the environmental impact of food waste can be reduced if restaurants, a big contributor to the problem, stop wasting food.
Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the restaurant industry is in crisis. Food industry workers face decreased revenues, soaring unemployment, and increased food insecurity. Reducing food waste is a shared value opportunity that can positively impact the economy, help the environment and support the food insecurity crisis. In restaurants, reducing food waste can mean reduced operational costs, higher profit margins, public good-will and increased employee morale, all of which are good for business.
The program is expected to launch initially in South Florida with programs in Houston, New York and Los Angeles rolling out throughout 2021. Each market will enlist 25 participating restaurants and bars, who will be provided an individualized food waste reduction solution tailored to their business and paired with a local community partner organization.