Waste Not, Want Not
Waste Not, Want Not

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Image of the words Fight Food Waste spelled out using fruits and vegetables

Waste Not, Want Not (WiN-WiN) Kentucky

The Waste Not, Want Not (WiN-WiN) program at the University of Kentucky is a community-driven initiative designed to tackle the dual challenges of food insecurity and food waste in Kentucky. By recovering surplus food from farms, home gardeners, and food producers and redirecting it to those in need, the project promotes sustainable solutions that benefit both people and the environment. Through partnerships, education, and training, WiN-WiN empowers non-profit community organizations that feed individuals to reduce food loss and waste while fostering healthier, more resilient communities.

Pile of decomposing food scraps

133 Billion 

Approximately 133 billion pounds of food is wasted each year in the United States.

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Children lying on the floor looking up at the camera

1 in 5

In Kentucky, 1 in 5 children and 1 in 6 adults experience food insecurity.

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A landfill

6%

Only 6% of the 40 million pounds of food wasted in Kentucky each year is diverted from landfills.

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Programs & Partners

Learn more about our partner organizations in Jessamine County.

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Preventing Food Loss Waste

Access resources, information, and educational tools about Food Loss Waste (FLW).

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How to Get Involved

Find ways to get involved by donating produce or helping to transport it.

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Images showing the stages of the food recovery system

Food is grown on a farm → transported → stored before use → prepared for either consumption or long-term storage → scrapped for compost or animal feed

The Local Food Recovery System

This image illustrates the local food recovery system, highlighting key stages from farm to table and beyond. At each step in the cycle, from harvesting on farms, transporting and storing food, preparing meals in kitchens, to eventual consumption and composting, there are critical opportunities to reduce food loss and waste. Whether it’s minimizing surplus at the farm, improving storage to prevent spoilage, using creative meal preparation techniques to reduce scraps, or ensuring leftovers are properly managed, small actions at each stage can make a big impact. By recognizing and addressing these points, we can create a more efficient, sustainable food system that nourishes communities while reducing environmental impact.

Map of Operations

Map of Jessamine County with partner locations noted

 

Support for this program is provided by USDA NIFA sponsorship award # 2023-38640-39572 to Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE).

Logos for the USDA and SARE

 

Connect With Us

WiN-WiN logo

209 A1 Funkhouser Building

Lexington, KY 40506

win.win@uky.edu

Dawn Brewer

Program Director

Dawn Brewer, PhD, RD, LD

dawn.brewer@uky.edu

Lauren Batey

Program Coordinator

Lauren Batey MS, RD, LD

lauren.batey@uky.edu

 

Tammy Stephenson

Department Chair

Tammy Stephenson, PhD, FAND

tammy.stephenson@uky.edu

Contact Information

202 Funkhouser Building Lexington, KY 40506-0054