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Local Food Systems

Combating Food Waste and Building a Sustainable Food Future for Philadelphia

According to Feeding America, the 1.7 million people living in Pennsylvania that experience food insecurity, 85,000 live in Montgomery County. A ReFED data analysis found that Pennsylvania tossed out 2.89 million tons of surplus food in 2022, and the food service industry contributed nearly 16% of food waste in PA that year.

To address both challenges, with the support of the Montgomery County Food Policy Council, the Sustainable Business Network of Greater Philadelphia (SBN) has launched the Food Saver Challenge in Montgomery County for the first time! The Food Saver Challenge is a collaborative effort that empowers local food businesses to reduce waste, save money, and feed communities, while strengthening our region’s sustainable food economy.

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What We Do

The Food Saver Challenge

SBN’s Food Saver Challenge is an initiative that invites restaurants, cafés, grocery stores, bakeries, hotels, and event venues to adopt and track food waste reduction practices.
Participating businesses monitor how much food they reduce, repurpose, or donate, with support from SBN through practical tools, technical assistance, and opportunities for peer learning.

At the end of each cycle, one business is recognized as the Food Saver Champion, earning a $5,000 cash prize and citywide recognition for leadership in sustainability and community impact.

Applications are now closed for 2026

How It Works

  1. Apply – Submit your online application when the entry window is open
  2. Selection & Onboarding – Approximately ten businesses are invited to participate, who attend a kickoff session to get started.
  3. Track Progress – Monitor food reduction, donation, and composting metrics using the tools SBN provides.
  4. Share Results – Highlight achievements and inspire others to take action.
  5. Celebrate – The Food Saver Champion receives a $5,000 prize and public recognition through SBN and local media.


For assistance, contact Julienne Vinculado, Environmental Stewardship Programs Associate; julienne [at] sbnphiladelphia.org.

Applications have closed for this round!

Why SBN Leads This Work

As Greater Philadelphia’s network of values-driven businesses, SBN is uniquely positioned to drive systemic change through collective action. The Food Saver Challenge helps local food businesses:

  • Reduce waste and lower purchasing and disposal costs
  • Strengthen community food systems through redistribution
  • Build a culture of sustainability and social responsibility

Together, participating businesses are setting a new regional standard for reducing food waste and creating a more climate-resilient local economy.

Our Partners

SBN collaborates with leading industry, nonprofit, and academic partners to provide support, composting, and redistribution expertise:

  • Share Food Program – Share Food Program has helped Philadelphia communities in need by offering low-cost food through food pantries, distribution sites, Nice Roots Farm, home delivery, meal programs for kids and seniors, and the Philly Food Rescue.
  • Mother Compost – Mother Compost serves nearly 1,500 households and partners with schools, restaurants, businesses, municipalities, and institutions across Greater Philadelphia.
  • Back to Earth Compost Crew – Colleen Falicki founded Back to Earth Compost Crew to serve most of Montgomery County and northern and eastern Chester County, picking up curbside and at Saturday collection sites.

Featured Participants

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Benefits for Food Businesses

Participating businesses receive complimentary tools, technical support, and recognition opportunities, including:

  • Free access to ClearCOGS software for food waste tracking and operational efficiency
  • Redistribution support through Sharing Excess and Share Food Program
  • Composting services via Circle Compost and Bennett Compost
  • Technical assistance from Drexel Food Lab
  • Recognition by SBN and potential local media exposure
  • Opportunities for cost savings and sustainability leadership
  • Eligibility for the $5,000 Food Saver Champion award
Join the Food Saver Challenge

Tools & Resources

Access free resources to help your business reduce food waste and operate sustainably:

See All Resources

In the Press

SBN unveils ‘Food Saver Challenge to Tackle Food Waste Head-On in Philly

Green Philly

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An innovative, new initiative to reduce food waste launches in Philadelphia

Al Dia News

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Sustainable Business Network of Greater Philadelphia Launches ‘Food Saver Challenge’ to Combat Food Waste in Philadelphia

Perishable News

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See Full Press Coverage

Contact Us

Interested in joining the next Food Saver Challenge or learning how to make your business more sustainable?

Apply here
Contact Us

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