How Kibo is Reducing Food Waste in America and Creating A Healthier Generation
In the United States alone, approximately 19.4 million tons of food is wasted per year. According to the World Economic Forum- UNEP Food Waste Index Report 2021- this is equivalent to 130 pounds per household. This results in a cost of $1,500 in wasted food per year to the average American family of four.
As reported by Feeding America- one of America's largest non-profit organizations dedicated to reducing food insecurity- more than 50 million Americans are currently experiencing food insecurity due to the pandemic. This means 1 in 6 adults and for children, 1 in 4 (a total of approximately 17 million children).
Food waste is not an issue created by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, however, it is an issue that was exacerbated by it. At the onset of the pandemic, American farmers were disposing of their products such as milk, eggs, onions, and potatoes due to a disruption in the supply chain. With lockdowns occurring nationwide, as well as globally, many farmers were left with an excess of crops and merchandise that could not be distributed. According to the New York Times and Dairy farmers of America, Farmers were reportedly disposing of 14 million liters of milk each day, chicken processors were destroying 750,000 unhatched eggs per week, potato farmers were digging ditches to bury 1 million pounds of potatoes, and many were conforming with letting their produce go to waste.
Although the coronavirus pandemic contributed in an increase of food waste and destructiveness in all manners possible, it was not in itself the culprit. There are many reasons why food goes to waste, but the issues were only made apparent after the global phenomenon. The truth is, the clock for freshness begins ticking right when the crops leave the farmers fields. The life and freshness of produce is limited and at times such food has to be transported thousands of miles across the country. Produce is at its best within 48-72 hours after being picked. In the process of transporting the produce, some produce may begin to rot. Once one rots, it has potential to impact the remaining produce. Most of the time, produce no longer arrives fresh to the grocery store. It has been in transport for days and then maintained in a cool place at the grocery store for you to pick. Such produce may remain weeks on shelf after leaving the farm and then it is disposed of by big chains when it no longer meets their standard of "freshness".
At Kibo, our primary concerns are Reducing food waste, providing our customers with Farm Fresh Produce, Reducing CO2 emissions by being a sustainable company, and most importantly helping small family farmers distribute their produce to households in America.
Kibo is not a traditional company. We pride ourselves in our dedication and commitment to reduce food waste as much as possible. Our sophisticated network of distribution and farming partners allow us to deliver produce directly from the Farm to your Household, DAILY! We have formulated a process that allows us to provide you with Fresh, Hand-Picked daily produce whenever you want it. Our process focuses on helping small farmers minimize overproduction and surplus that eventually goes to waste. We do this by only picking and delivering what is NECESSARY.
It is normal for farmers to have an excess of crops from time to time, however, our relationship with our partners allows us to donate produce to food banks and prepare meals for distribution to homeless people in the areas we serve. In addition, we use surplus and decomposing produce to make compost and provide the communities we serve with rich soil. In addition to our sustainable practices, we pride ourselves in being one of the only companies with an industry low carbon footprint! By partnering with farmers who have fields and farms located within a short distance of our distribution area, we have no need for big trucks and vehicles that release large amounts of CO2 emissions. We are extremely concerned on minimizing the traditional carbon footprint for delivery companies, therefore most of the vehicles we use rely on renewable energy and are eco-friendly.
With Kibo, now you can Eat Fresh, Be Healthy, Save the Planet, Support small family farmers, and feel Good about it all! You have not known FRESH until your produce has been picked and delivered that same day! Once you try it there's no going back.
