Donate Don’t Dump, a campaign to get surplus and short-dated food to the hungry rather than sending it to landfills, received the Environmental Protection Agency’s President’s Environmental Youth Award, the EPA announced Aug. 12.
The effort is the brainchild of San Dieguito Academy student Gabrielle Posard, along with her sister, Camille Posard, and Trent Ryan, according to Donate Don’t Dump’s website.
Students and educators from throughout the United States were honored at a White House ceremony Aug. 12, according to the EPA.
Donate Don’t Dump, a volunteer-based nonprofit group, works with grocery stores to give unsold surplus food to food banks instead of throwing it away. According to the EPA announcement, the group distributes more than 20,000 pounds of donated food per month to families and elderly residents. The group has 20 chapters and more than 4,000 members and partners in four states, the EPA stated.
The EPA also recognized educators’ efforts with the Presidential Innovation Award for Environmental Education.
“Through their enthusiasm and commitment, these students and educators are inspiring current and future environmental stewards,” Jared Blumenfeld, the EPA’s regional administrator for the Pacific Southwest, said in the announcement. “We are pleased to honor their work that helps communities and protects the environment.”
More information online: www.donatedontdump.net and www2.epa.gov/education/presidents-environmental-youth-award-peya-winners.