Creating More Food Justice
I have worked for many years to build a more just, sustainable, and resilient food system. My approach is to make systemic change through new policies and legislation. At the same time, I also promote and support hands-on help to people in need. Recently, I have been focusing on ways to create more effective edible food waste recovery and diversion programs.
Dealing with Waste in Our Food System
(Graphic credit: Isra Qadri, University of Maryland School of Public Policy)
In the United States, it is estimated we waste between 30-40% of our total food supply each year. In Maryland, this represents 1.7 billion pounds of food and 19% of the state’s total waste, even though most of it is edible and delicious. Most of the waste is ending up in our landfills or is incinerated. This has huge implications for our environment. At the same time, we know too many households are experiencing food insecurity.
This has long been unacceptable to me.
In 2021, I introduced and successfully passed a bill requiring any company that produces more than one ton of organic waste per week to either donate eligible food or compost it.
Next session I plan to propose legislation to expand who must donate or compost food waste and to improve the quality and amount of food that is diverted for human consumption.
Hands-On Help
Many organizations in our area make sure all our neighbors are fed and food is not wasted. I encourage you to reach out if you need help and to get involved in whatever way works for you.
The Montgomery County Food Council has also developed a Food Assistance Resource Map showing many other nearby programs providing food assistance.
Special Shout-out to Crossroads Community Food Network!
Tomorrow, September 9th, at 12:30, I will be at the Crossroads Farmers Market (Anne St. at University Blvd. in Takoma Park) to help celebrate their 20th Anniversary of providing fresh, local food and growing a strong community. Come join the fun!
Blue Sweep Canvassing Opportunities
With midterm elections just around the corner, now is the time to connect with our fellow Americans and encourage a strong turnout for Democrats.
➜ On Sunday, September 27th, join me as I head up to York, Pennsylvania, to encourage folks to vote for Janelle Stelson in her race to unseat Republican Congressman Scott Perry. Small efforts here can translate into a Democratic majority that will hold the federal administration accountable. We will meet in Takoma Park, carpool to York, receive training, and go canvassing in teams.
➜ Want to volunteer closer to home? I’ll be canvassing for “YES on Question 3” and Democratic candidates across Maryland so we have the votes to keep making good change in Annapolis.
➜ I also hope to have my volunteers at polling locations around District 20 during Early Voting and on Election Day.
Sign up here for any of these opportunities and my Field Director, Eli Brennan, will reach out to you with further details.
Movie Night in White Oak: Sept. 12th
Come out for a night of free, family-friendly fun on Saturday, September 12th, at Hillandale Local Park on New Hampshire Ave. A Health Fair starts at 6:00 pm, followed by a screening of Zootopia 2 at 7:00 pm. No ticket required, but RSVPs are appreciated.
Need Help with a State Issue?
If you need help with a state issue, please contact my office at Lorig.Charkoudian@house.maryland.gov or leave us a message at (410)-841-3423.
Onward,
Lorig Charkoudian
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