FEBRUARY 2026 PCG BLOG. "WASTED! The Story of Food Waste."

In many ways, 2025 was unprecedented for PCG. We grew, gathered and shared an amazing 14,793 pounds of nutritious food with thousands of people who struggle with food insecurity right here in Westchester. In the fall, our resources were tested by the government shutdown, which restricted SNAP (basic nutrition assistance) for our most vulnerable community members. Without hesitation, our army of volunteers and donation partners swung into action to help, but our eyes were opened…how can all of us find more innovative ways to feed those in need?

The latest Household Food Security report released on December 31, 2025 by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Economic Research Service (ERS) reveals that 47.9 million people lived in food-insecure households last year. These findings highlight a crisis that is set to deepen as the deepest cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in history take effect.

Some key findings from the ERS report:

• 1 in 7 households (13.7 percent) in America experienced food insecurity, or lack of access to an affordable, nutritious diet, in 2024.

• 14.1 million children lived in households that experienced food insecurity in 2024, a slight increase from the 13.8 million children reported in 2023.

• More single-parent households headed by women experienced food insecurity at 36.8 percent, nearly 2 percent higher than 2023 (34.7 percent).
  

It’s shocking to us that 1/3 of all food produced is never eaten and that 90% of wasted food ends up in landfills. The annual cost of food waste is 1 trillion (with a T) dollars, and 1.3 billion tons of food is wasted every year. Does anyone else think this is unacceptable? Let’s talk about it.

Our Pleasantville friends at Films on Purpose are partnering with PCG on February 22^nd to screen the film, “WASTED! The Story of Food Waste.” This event will be at the Chappaqua Library from 3pm until 5:30pm and will include a panel discussion about food waste with people who are on the front lines of the effort to save food and feed those in need.

The panel includes:  Peter Rogovin, Volunteer President at Foodchester, Inc. Operator of the Pleasantville Farmers Market Kathryn LaCombe, Author & Culinary Director at Second Chance Foods Kathy Purdy, the Founder and CEO of Hillside Food Outreach Roberta Horowitz, the Director of Programs & Community Engagement at The Pantry NY (formally the Interfaith Food Bank in Mt. Kisco) MaryJane Shimsky, the Assembly member representing NY’s 92nd District

Kathryn will also be signing copies of her new children’s book, “A Rescue Feast,” A story where a garden, a storm and a rescue kitchen all come together to show how growing and rescuing food can make big magic in a community!

Please join us for a wonderful film and discussion. Registration is requested: Film: "Wasted! The Story of Food Waste" | Chappaqua Library