Good Samaritan’s nutrition team receives national recognition for food waste reduction efforts

A Boulder County hospital’s meals companies division has been acknowledged by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for lowering meals waste.

On Jan. 27, the vitamin companies group at Good Samaritan Medical Center in Lafayette was one of some organizations and companies within the nation acknowledged within the 2021 Food Recovery Challenge competitors.

Led by Nutrition Services Director and General Manager Natosha Jergensen, the hospital’s group was “engaged within the course of to establish alternatives and develop methods to cut back the quantity of meals waste,” in keeping with Good Samaritan media representatives. The group handled setbacks from the continued COVID-19 pandemic and workers turnover however remained dedicated to the progress of their program.

“Our success with waste discount all through the COVID-19 pandemic is really a testomony to our group and their resiliency, consistency and laborious work,” Jergensen mentioned. Good Samaritan launched the Leanpath meals waste restoration program in 2020.

The EPA is now not accepting new companions for its nationwide Food Recovery Challenge, however organizations that participated within the 2020 and 2021 competitions had been up for recognition in two completely different classes: data-driven awards, which had been primarily based on p.c adjustments within the information, and narrative awards, primarily based on the standard of a corporation’s utility.

Good Samaritan’s group received the 2021 award within the Medical Services class for its excellent enchancment by sector, incomes the very best p.c enhance over its information from earlier years. The hospital was amongst 18 different companies nationwide that had been acknowledged for his or her efforts within the Food Recovery Challenge.

While Jergensen feels pleased with the group’s accomplishments, she mentioned their efforts will proceed into 2022 and past as they work to increase their attain even additional.

“We consider sustainability isn’t only a development, and we’re dedicated to enhancing our efforts each day. We see it as our mission, now and sooner or later.”