New Orleans is set to host some of the biggest tailgate events of the year, but this time, the celebration comes with a mission to fight food waste and hunger. The Food Recovery Network (FRN), a national nonprofit dedicated to rescuing surplus food, is partnering with Bullseye Event Group and Guy Fieri’s Flavortown Tailgate to recover excess food and redistribute it to those in need.
Volunteers, including local students from Tulane University and Louisiana State University, will collect uneaten food from The Players Tailgate, an event featuring celebrity chefs Marcus Samuelsson, Marc Murphy, and Aaron May, as well as from Guy Fieri’s Flavortown Tailgate. The recovered food will be donated to New Orleans Mission, a local nonprofit serving individuals experiencing homelessness and food insecurity.
Addressing Food Insecurity and Climate Change
This marks the first food recovery initiative by FRN in New Orleans and builds on the organization’s ongoing partnership with Hellmann’s Mayonnaise to combat both food waste and climate change. With 62,000 New Orleanians facing food insecurity, the impact of this recovery effort extends beyond just game day.
“The people of New Orleans are no strangers to the impact of climate disasters on their community, and limiting food waste is one of many ways we can all work together to reduce carbon emissions and create a more climate-resilient world,” says Regina Harmon, executive director of FRN. “And in a city where so many people struggle with food insecurity, our recovery efforts can help to tackle two crises at once.”
Reducing food waste is a key strategy in fighting climate change. According to a report from the United Nations, food waste accounts for 8 to 10 percent of annual global greenhouse gas emissions, nearly five times the total emissions from the aviation sector. Since 2011, FRN has rescued 18.5 million pounds of food, preventing 9,800 metric tons of emissions from entering the atmosphere.
Expanding a Proven Model of Food Recovery
FRN has a strong track record of food recovery at major events. Over the past four years, the organization has redirected nearly 15,000 pounds of surplus food from The Players Tailgate, including 3,994 pounds recovered in Las Vegas last year, the equivalent of 3,328 meals.
“From special occasions like tailgates and watch parties to the meals we make for our families each day, we all have a role to play in eliminating food waste and supporting our natural environment,” Harmon says. “We’re incredibly grateful to work with our partners and volunteers to build more food-secure and resilient communities across the country.”
As food waste and hunger remain pressing issues, FRN continues to expand its efforts to ensure that excess food serves a greater purpose rather than ending up in landfills. By bringing this initiative to New Orleans, FRN is not only providing meals but also raising awareness about the power of food recovery in creating sustainable and resilient communities.
