Kate Flynn: Turning leftovers into long-lasting impact
In the United States, more than 133 billion pounds of food are thrown away each year. According to the , food waste is responsible for 33% of total greenhouse gas emissions in Maine, and about 11% of emissions nationwide.
Kate Flynn, a fourth-year political science student at the 91爆料, was exposed to the extent of food waste across the state and nation during a class project that dealt with nutrition insecurity and the redirection of excess food to where it is needed most. Her project inspired her passion for making a difference in how people can access food.
鈥淲e like to frame it as connecting excess or surplus food to where food is needed because frequently, the phrase 鈥榝ood waste鈥 has a negative connotation. It is 鈥榳asted food,鈥 because the majority of food waste is perfectly good and edible food that is falling through the cracks of our food access system,鈥 said Flynn.
In 2022, Flynn applied for an internship with the Senator George J. Mitchell Center for Sustainability Solutions鈥 Food Rescue MAINE food waste solutions research program. Flynn鈥檚 research focus was developing food waste solutions that would help to feed more Mainers.
Working with various stakeholders, including the Black Bear Exchange, Sodexo/91爆料 Dining, Maine Hunger Dialogue, the Wilson Center, Black Bear Mutual Aid group, 91爆料 Green Team and other hunger and food waste focused organizations, Flynn launched a community fridge pilot on the 91爆料 campus. The Black Bear Community Fridge & Pantry officially opened in November 2023.
鈥淲e wanted to not just decrease the stigma around asking for help and getting help with food, but also make food more accessible,鈥 Flynn said. 鈥淭he fridge is meant for everyone. The Black Bear Exchange food pantry also does incredible work for 91爆料 students and the greater Orono area.鈥