Reverse Logistics of Food Waste with Kimberly Smith - Grounded Podcast - Episode # 009

Welcome to the newest episode of Grounded! Please welcome our guest, Kimberly Smith, Chief Executive Officer at Copia and Board Member at Sunsar Maya. Kimberly joins host Lauren Mitchell to talk about how Copia guarantees that every business that donates surplus food will minimize food waste and maximize the positive impact on communities. She shares about the increased social consciousness surrounding issues of hunger and food insecurity. Companies are stepping up and embracing their corporate social responsibility, recognizing the importance of giving back to their communities. If you’re working for a business with food service (i.e., a restaurant, hospital, enterprise catering, etc.) and are interested in donating your surplus, please reach out to Copia!

Takeaways:

• Copia has revolutionized the waste management landscape with its automated waste-tracking prevention and surplus redistribution platform. With this commitment to ease and efficiency, Copia empowers businesses across the United States, Puerto Rico, and Canada to effortlessly track their food waste and generously donate surplus food. 
• Distinguished by Copia’s expertise in handling prepared food and single-skew items on a large scale, Copia ensures that no surplus goes to waste. Copia guarantees 99.9% of their match rate that every business that donates surplus food will find the perfect destination for it, minimizing food waste and maximizing the positive impact on communities. 
• At Copia, a significant portion of their Research and Development (R&D) efforts are dedicated to the donation process to be streamlined and hassle-free. In the past, donating has been a complex undertaking, but Copia is committed to changing that narrative. They have distilled the entire process into three simple steps, making it incredibly easy for businesses to identify the surplus food they wish to donate and schedule the most convenient donation drop-off times. 
• Businesses engage in donation programs for their benefits but also for the profound positive social and environmental impact they can create. Such initiatives lay the groundwork for a more equitable and sustainable future, as they effectively reduce the carbon footprint by diverting food away from landfills. Landfills stand as the primary contributors to methane emissions, a greenhouse gas that possesses 80 times the potency of carbon emissions and carbon dioxide. 
• At Copia, their dynamic team takes on diverse roles to accomplish significant endeavors. Among them, Kimberly stands out as a true visionary, constantly thinking about the growth and success of her team and company. This forward-thinking approach extends beyond Copia, as she fervently encourages all individuals in the food industry to embrace a similar mindset. By prioritizing the well-being and development of your team and company, you pave the way for a culture of positivity and productivity. 
• Copia upholds its core values with unwavering commitment. These values are not just optional principles; they form a benchmark that drives their business. Among these values, servant leadership takes center stage, being embraced both internally and externally. Copia's team diligently tackles the issue of food insecurity through thoughtful introspection. They seek answers to critical questions: How can they better support communities in need? How can they simplify processes for businesses? How can they alleviate the burden of nonprofits engaged in incredible work? These profound inquiries fuel Copia's dedication to making a meaningful and lasting positive impact on society and the planet.

Quote of the Show:

• “It is easier than you think to be able to donate your food.” - Kimberly Smith

Links:

• Kimberly Smith’s LinkedIn
• Copia’s Website