The impact of food being wasted is significant for people who are food insecure and for the health of our planet. According to Feeding America, 1 in 8 Illinoisans are food insecure. ReFED reported that Illinois generated nearly $13.8 billion worth of surplus food in 2023; this uneaten food is overwhelmingly landfilled. Food scraps make up 24% of landfill waste and generate 58% of methane emissions. Methane is 80 times more potent than carbon dioxide over a 20-year period. To address these concerns, Illinois Senator Adriane Johnson and Representative Joyce Mason filed SB1397 and SB1398/HB1707, which will:
- Reduce methane/greenhouse gas emissions by diverting food scraps from landfills
- Increase food recovery for human consumption
- Provide data on the benefits of compost and digestate use on agricultural land
- Phase in food diversion requirements to provide time for infrastructure to develop
To support these bills and join the Feed and Conserve Illinois movement, visit feedandconserveil.org and subscribe to our email directory. Thank you for your dedication and commitment to making food recovery, diversion, and waste reduction a priority in Illinois!
