RTS and Rethink Food partner to prevent food waste, address food insecurity

Rethink Food, a food nonprofit, and Recycle Track Systems Inc. (RTS), both located in New York, have announced a strategic and operational partnership to help divert viable excess food stock in New York City away from landfills and provide nutritious meals for the community.  

Under the terms of the partnership, RTS, a waste and recycling management technology company, will offer its clients the ability to send their excess food to Rethink Food, which will transform it into nutritious and culturally celebrated meals at its commissary kitchen. Meals will then be distributed by community-based organizations to food-insecure neighbors across the city.   

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, Rethink Food says it has provided more than 7 million meals to communities facing food insecurity which are distributed seven days a week across five cities (New York, Nashville, Chicago, San Francisco, Miami) and utilized 1.2 million pounds of excess and/or donated food.  

“This partnership represents a true collaboration between socially like-minded organizations,” says Greg Lettieri, co-founder and CEO of RTS. “RTS has helped hundreds of customers reduce waste and divert materials like food scraps from landfills, and Rethink Food’s model has proven successful in using excess food from restaurants, kitchens, and corporations to serve millions of meals to people in need. Reducing waste and addressing food insecurity go hand in hand.”  

Both RTS and Rethink Food plan to begin the partnership in New York City and aim to expand it to other common markets of operation. Companies that participate will join Rethink Food’s network of partners throughout the food ecosystem. This includes restaurants, food establishments and corporations in receiving Rethink Certified designation, which indicates their commitment to incorporating community support into their daily operations to create a more sustainable and equitable food system.   

“This is a clear demonstration of how innovation can ensure high-quality, nutritious food reaches those who need it without pumping more food into the food system,” says Matt Jozwiak, founder and CEO of Rethink Food. “This program will provide a way for companies to operate more sustainably and support the communities in which they operate. We’re thrilled to partner with RTS on this impactful initiative.”   

In 2022, New York City is expected to roll out its new “commercial waste zone” system to haul business-generated trash, recyclables, and food scraps. RTS plans to service multiple commercial zones and encourage food donation through partnerships like this.