The Pacific Northwest has become a beacon of leadership in food waste prevention, setting ambitious goals and pioneering innovative solutions to tackle one of the most pressing environmental and social challenges of our time. With a target to reduce food waste by 50% by 2030, Washington is making waves through forward-thinking policies, groundbreaking partnerships, and community-driven initiatives.
The state’s leadership is driven by its commitment to addressing climate change, improving food security, and fostering a circular economy. By focusing on prevention, recovery, and repurposing of food waste, Washington has emerged as a model for other states seeking to implement systemic change.
To celebrate and further explore this leadership, we are thrilled to host an engaging panel discussion featuring four food waste experts who are shaping the future of food systems. This event brings together leaders from government, academia, and industry to share insights and inspire action.
Event Overview
Event: Food Waste Prevention Panel Discussion
Date: Thursday, January 23rd
Time: 5:00 - 8:00 pm
Location: @ Tactile 2013 4th Ave. Ste 402, Seattle, WA 98121
Join us for an in-depth conversation with thought leaders and innovators who are driving change in Washington’s food waste landscape. This panel will explore challenges, opportunities, and innovative solutions to prevent and minimize food waste across sectors.
Meet Our Speakers
Emily Hovis is an environmental health professional with extensive experience in public education, food safety, and environmental compliance. With a passion for promoting environmental health and public service, Emily serves as a member of the Washington State Retail Food Safety Advisory Council (FSAC) and the Association of Food and Drug Officials (AFDO) Food Recovery Committee. She is currently leading a Food Rescue Mapping project for Washington State. Beyond academia, Emily is the owner of Triple H Family Farm, a 33-acre livestock farm in Lewis County that focuses on conservation grazing and sustainable land management practices. Her unique blend of expertise in food safety and sustainable farming makes her a key voice in the conversation on food waste prevention.
With over 30 years of experience in local government, Liz Fikejs has dedicated her career to advancing conservation programs across natural resources. At Seattle Public Utilities, she leads initiatives to prevent food waste through public-private partnerships, including alliances with the Pacific Coast Collaborative. Starting in 2025, Liz will serve on the US Food Waste Pact Advisory Council, where she aims to accelerate systemic solutions to food waste. Her leadership reflects a deep commitment to creating large-scale, sustainable change.
Leslie Mackie is a celebrated baker and founder of Macrina Bakery, a Seattle institution known for its dedication to community and sustainability. Leslie has been a pioneer in the baking industry’s efforts to reduce food waste, including collaborating with PCC and FareStart to repurpose leftover bread into croutons. Through her six cafes and robust wholesale operation, Leslie continues to lead by example, demonstrating how businesses can play a crucial role in building a circular food system.
As Head of Product at Shelf Engine, Naomi Logan oversees a team dedicated to developing innovative technologies that reduce waste in the retail food supply chain. Drawing from her background at Microsoft and USAID’s Digital Development team, Naomi combines data-driven decision-making with user-centered design to tackle food waste at a systems level. Her work at Shelf Engine exemplifies the potential of technology to transform how food is distributed and consumed, ultimately reducing climate impact.
Why Washington Leads the Nation
Washington’s leadership in food waste prevention is rooted in several key factors:
Ambitious Goals: The state’s 50% reduction target aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, showcasing its commitment to global leadership.
Innovation: Programs like the Pacific Coast Collaborative bring together public agencies and private organizations to tackle food waste holistically.
Community Engagement: From hyperlocal composting programs to statewide food rescue mapping, Washington empowers communities to take action.
Business Innovation: Companies like Shelf Engine and Macrina Bakery exemplify how local businesses are driving creative solutions.
Join the Conversation
This panel is a unique opportunity to learn from experts at the forefront of food waste prevention. Whether you’re a business leader, community advocate, policy maker or a concerned individual this event will inspire you to take action and be part of the solution. Together, we can build a future where food is valued, and waste is minimized.
We look forward to seeing you there!
To register: https://lnkd.in/ednrHzc7.