An estimated 30-40% of the food supply in America is wasted every year. That's 108 billion pounds of food.  Or 130 billion meals.  Or $408 billion dollars of food.  That's a lot of food going to waste that you, your family, or somebody in need could be eating.  There is an awesome organization here in the Quad Cities taking what would be wasted by restaurants and turning them into amazing meals for those in need.

Peaceful Palate Quad Cities

Back in 2016 chef Kyle Verschorre started Peaceful Palate in the Quad Cities.  In 2018 it became an official 501 (c) (3) federal charity.  During that time the group provided thousands of meals to those in need with food that was about to go to waste.

Peaceful Palate describes itself as "a soulful collection of visions, actions, and solutions.".  They connect food to people from farm to store, shelf to plate.  The group has street feeds, pop-up kitchens, shelter partnerships, community events, and more.  But what really sets them apart is how they get the food to make these meals.

Waste Not Want Not

Restaurants across the Quad Cities always try to use every bit of food possible.  Good for the profit margin.  But there are times food could go to waste.  This is where Peaceful Palate steps in.

Let's say a restaurant ordered 500 special buns for a weekend special they were running but only used 400.  If they are not going to use the extras, Peaceful Palate will take them.  Maybe they are discontinuing something from the menu.  All that they have left can go to this group.  Everything from condiments, to meat, to veggies, if the restaurant is not going to use it anymore, the group will take the food and make the meals.  It's like a giant episode of Chopped.

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Now you might be thinking, "are taking the scraps and plopping them on a plate?"  Not at all.  Kyle along with Kristi Kell and others are legit executive chefs that can take what would be going to a dumpster and turn it into a culinary masterpiece.  Just look at this one!

Get involved with Peaceful Palate

The group is always looking for volunteers, donations of both food and money plus everything needed to cook and eat the food.  Don't waste the food, don't waste the plates, napkins, and cutlery.

Find out more about the program and how you can be involved at their website.

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