GRIFFIN, Georgia -- The USDA recognizes the impacts of food loss and food waste on food security and the environment. USDA, in concert with agency partners, is working toward the goal of reducing food loss and food waste by 50 percent by 2030.
In the latest effort in reduction activities, Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) has initiated a Food Loss and Waste Program, supporting projects that align with USDA activities aimed at reducing food loss and reducing food waste.
In addition to supporting Food Loss and Waste prevention and reduction projects through grant funding, USDA-NIFA has provided additional funding to convene state, city, county, and tribal stakeholders, along with non-profit partners, to identify local efforts needed and ongoing to further prevent food loss and waste. Recent research has identified the fact that many food loss and waste efforts fall into the recycling category, such as composting, rather than the prevention and reuse categories which can provide benefits beyond recycling. Immediate progress is necessary in order to reach national goals.
One-day Food Loss and Waste workshops in 10 U.S. states aim to connect local stakeholders, identify achievable goals, and leverage available staff and resources to spark immediate action.
In order to successfully hold 10 workshops around the U.S., Southern SARE is seeking one (1) Event Planner/Workshop Coordinator to assist in the planning, coordination, and execution of the workshops. Southern SARE is soliciting a national Call for Applications for this position.
Application deadline is September 1, 2025 at 5 p.m. EST. Contract funding amount is $56,818 for a one-year position, with the timeline running from October 1, 2025 to September 30, 2026.
The position is open to qualified applicants in the contiguous U.S., Alaska, Hawaii, and the U.S. territories of Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, Micronesia, and Northern Mariana Islands.
The Event Planner/Workshop Coordinator will be funded through a one-time, cost reimbursement subaward agreement between University of Georgia and the individual to fulfill the listed responsibilities. The successful candidate will report to the National SARE FLW Program Manager as needed throughout the term of the contract.
Applicants should:
- Have a strong understanding and familiarity with USDA and SARE programs;
- Have previous experience and deep understanding of food loss and waste programs and policies across the spectrum of food systems (agriculture, businesses, consumers, schools);
- Be skilled in program development, including, but not limited to, planning, leadership development, grantmaking, business management, evaluation and communications;
- Have a proven track record of ability to work with diverse stakeholders;
- Demonstrate strong governance and exhibit good research and critical thinking skills.
For more information about this grant opportunity, contact Lisa Johnson at FLW@sare.org
For more information about Southern SARE, visit https://southern.sare.org