Philadelphia Prisons System recognized by EPA for its food recovery program

The Philadelphia Prisons System composts 1.35 tons of food waste each day, saving $31,000 annually in landfill fees. Along with the composting, the prison system’s food recovery program provides inmates with hands-on job training in horticulture and urban gardening onsite at the Orchard Program located on property behind Philadelphia Industrial Correction Center on State Street.
 

“The Philadelphia Prison System sets a tremendous example on using innovation to reduce food waste,” said EPA Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Shawn Garvin. “Businesses and communities across America are taking positive steps to address the food waste challenge, and they’re saving money, helping the environment and feeding hungry people in the process.”

 

The city was among more than 800 governments, businesses and organizations nationwide that participated in the 2015 EPA’s Food Recovery Challenge.