Food Tank recently had the opportunity to speak with Jonathan Bloom, author of American Wasteland, who was one of the speakers at the 2015 Food Tank Summit in partnership with The George Washington University.
Food Tank (FT): What will your message be at the Food Tank Summit?
Jonathan Bloom (JB): There is a world of change happening globally on the topic of wasted food and it’s past time US food companies and agencies took notice. There’s room for action on this issue at all steps of the food chain, including in our own homes. Just about everyone who eats is now part of the problem but can so easily become part of the solution!
(FT): How are you contributing to building a better food system?
(JB): Through written and spoken word, I raise awareness on the scope and consequences of wasted food. I publicize the shocking juxtaposition of the U.S. wasting 40 percent our food with the 15 percent food insecurity rate. Additionally, I communicate how we squander precious water, energy and soil fertility through wasting food.
(FT): What are the biggest obstacles or challenges you face in achieving your organization’s goals?
(JB): The biggest challenge I face is getting the issue of wasted food and myself a literal and figurative place at the table in the sustainable food conversation. But that’s slowly fading as awareness on wasted food grows.
(FT): Who is your food hero and why?
(JB): My food hero is Calvin Trillin, the great food writer. His wit, clear prose and love of food reached me at a key time, transforming me from a writer who liked food to a foodie with a writing problem. I never would have become a food waste warrior without having made that first transition.
(FT): In 140 characters or less what is the most important thing we can all do to help change the food system?
(JB): Connect with your food. Becoming a more educated eater tends to convert us into food activists (and make it much harder to waste food).
