Food Waste Prevention Week: Sept. 28-Oct. 4

Make sure to follow us on social media @WasteWiseLaneCounty on Facebook and Instagram. Additionally, follow the Food Waste Prevention Week official channels on social media @FoodWastePreventionWeek on Facebook and Instagram. #FWPW #FoodWastePreventionWeek

Up to 38 percent of all food produced in the United States goes uneaten, wasting not only food, but also the money, energy, land and labor used to produce it.  

Why does reducing wasted food matter?

  • Saves money: A family of four can save up to $3,000 per year by reducing wasted food.
  • Conserves resources: Land, water, energy and human resources are used to grow, package and transport food.
  • Improves food access: Keeping safe and nutritious food from going to waste helps make better use of food resources in our communities.

Waste Wise Lane County, a program of Lane County Waste Management, is proud to support Food Waste Prevention Week, Sept. 28-Oct. 4, joining more than 700 partners across the country.

Food Waste Prevention Week inspires simple changes that can reduce wasted food at home, at work and throughout our communities. Activities include social media games and contests, in-person events, K-12 student activities, and educational webinars.

Im(Perfect) Food Faceoff: Oct. 3

Join us, Saturday, Oct. 3 at noon for the first Im(Perfect) Food Faceoff at the Eugene Farmers Market Pavilion (85 8th Ave., Eugene)

This fast-paced, 20-minute cooking competition will put two local chefs to the test using imperfect foods sourced from Lane County Farmers Market vendors. Watch as they race the clock to transform perfectly good—but less-than-perfect—looking ingredients into mouthwatering dishes, proving that great food doesn’t have to look perfect. Attendees can enjoy tasty samples and practical tips to reduce food waste. The event will be livestreamed online via the @WasteWiseLaneCounty Facebook page, and James Beard semifinalist Isaiah Martinez—chef and co-owner of Yardy Rum Bar—will emcee the event.

Meet the chefs

Chef Garrett Kirsch

Chef Garrett Kirsch is the chef and co-owner of Seasoned in downtown Eugene. With over 25 years of culinary experience, he creates seasonally inspired dishes featuring ingredients from local farms and ranches throughout the Pacific Northwest. Alongside his wife and co-owner, Chef Felicia Kirsch, he is passionate about creating memorable dining experiences while supporting the local community.

Chef Kathryn Nordgren

Chef Kathryn Nordgren grew up in Springfield and started her restaurant career at West Brothers BBQ. It’s there she met many key people, including her husband, Jason. Later, she helped open The Bier Stein as their original chef before helping to open Café 440, where she was head chef for 14 years. She now works as Pub Kitchen Manager at Sunriver Brewing Company in Eugene and loves her team.

Event Partners

Waste Wise Lane County and the City of Eugene Waste Prevention are coordinating the event, with a grant from Oregon DEQ. 

The Lane County Farmers Market and the Eugene Farmers Market Pavilion provided event space. Burrito Brigade is coordinating the food competition with donations from Lane County Farmers Market vendors, Fossil Free Eugene is providing induction burners for the chefs, and BRING created a trophy with used materials.

Want more ideas for wasting less food?

Visit foodwastepreventionweek.com to explore tips, activities, webinars and other resources.