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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 18, 2017
For more information contact:
C.C. Gonzalez-Kurz
Marketing & Communications Manager
Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center Dallas
214-939-2738
c.gonzalezkurz@dallascityhall.com
Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center Receives Recognition for Sustainable Practices
The Good Neighbor Program diverts unconsumed food from the landfill to local homeless shelters
The Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center Dallas (KBHCCD) is receiving national recognition for its Good Neighbor Program, which was created as a way to donate unconsumed food to local nonprofits, serving homeless individuals and families.
"The City of Dallas Convention and Events Services Marketing Team created the Good Neighbor Program in 2015, as part of our our ongoing commitment to sustainable practices and waste reduction," said John Johnson, Assistant Director of Convention and Event Services. "Together with the help of Centerplate, our exclusive food and beverage provider, we've diverted over 7.6 tons of food and surplus exhibit items from the landfill to individuals in most need."
The Convention Center is among 16 organizations across the country, being recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for outstanding participation in the EPA's Food Recovery Challenge, for Data Improvement in the Sports and Entertainment Venue sector.
We are honored to be working with the Convention Center on this award-winning program; our team takes great pride in helping those in need," said Doug Keller, Centerplate District Manager. "It truly is a win-win for us and our community."
Last year, over 950 businesses, governments and organizations participated in the EPA's Food Recovery Challenge. Food Recovery Challenge participants include grocers, restaurants, educational institutions and sports and entertainment venues, who together diverted 740,000 tons of food, saving up to $37 million in avoided waste disposal fees.
"Food Recovery Challenge award winners serve as role models in their communities and for other organizations," said EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt. "Their hard work and effective efforts to divert wasted food from landfills is paying off through social, financial and environmental benefits. I encourage other organizations to replicate the successful food recovery operations of our Challenge winners."
Unconsumed food is the single largest type of waste discarded each year. That's roughly 73 billion pounds of food a year. Wasting food adversely impacts our communities and the environment through the fiscal and natural resources used to produce and deliver the food. Approximately 12 percent of American household have difficulty providing enough food for all of their family members. Last year, Food Recovery Challenge participants helped address hunger through the donation of nearly 222,000 tons of food, providing the equivalent of close to 370 million meals.
For more information about the Food Recovery award winners visit: EPA Food Recovery Challenge Results and Award Winners.
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