Each year, 1.3 billion tons of food are discarded worldwide. At the same time, families across New York and here in Westchester County face food insecurity.
This is the central paradox of our food system — and it’s why I work in food rescue and hunger relief every day.
On Sunday, February 22, I’ll be joining a panel discussion following the screening of the food waste documentary Wasted! The Story of Food Waste at Chappaqua Library (3:00–5:30 PM).
This event brings together community leaders working across sustainability, food systems, and hunger relief in Westchester County.
About the Food Waste Documentary: Wasted! The Story of Food Waste
Produced by Anthony Bourdain, Wasted! is an informative and engaging food waste documentary that explores how much food is wasted globally — and what chefs, farmers, policymakers, and food rescue organizations are doing to reduce it.
The film examines the environmental, economic, and social impact of food waste and challenges viewers to rethink how we value food from farm to table.
If you are interested in sustainability, reducing food waste, or understanding how food systems operate, this film provides both context and inspiration.
Food Rescue and Hunger Relief in Westchester County
Following the screening, I’ll join a panel conversation with:
- Assemblymember MaryJane Shimsky
- Kathy Purdy, Hillside Food Outreach
- Peter Rogovin, Pleasantville Farmers Market
We’ll discuss how food rescue works at the local level in New York:
- How surplus food from farms, markets, and distributors is redirected
- How community food partnerships function
- How nonprofit food rescue organizations collaborate with policymakers
Food rescue is not theoretical for me. It is daily operational work — transforming donated surplus food into nutritious meals for neighbors across our region.
Educating the Next Generation About Food Waste
After the panel, I’ll be signing copies of A Rescue Feast, my children’s book inspired by this work in food rescue and sustainability education.
The book blends storytelling with science concepts such as gardening, composting, and community care. It helps children understand how food waste happens — and how small, thoughtful actions can reduce it.
If we want meaningful long-term change in our food system, we must teach children early about reducing food waste and caring for their communities.
One small rescue can make a big difference.
Join the Conversation on Sustainability and Food Systems
📍 Chappaqua Library, Chappaqua, NY
📅 Sunday, February 22
Film screening, panel discussion, and book signing.
If you care about sustainability, food waste in New York, hunger relief in Westchester County, or strengthening local food systems, I hope you’ll join us.