Counting the Cost: An Analysis of the Economic Impacts of Food Waste in American Urban Cities

Authors

  • Shanmukhi Keesari Weddington High School
  • Sri Yash Tadimalla UNC Charlotte

Abstract

This position paper delves into the intertwined challenges of food insecurity and waste within Charlotte, North Carolina. As the city's population nears 880,000, the urgency to ensure equitable food accessibility while managing the environmental and economic ramifications of food wastage becomes evident. Utilizing comprehensive data, the study underscores the pivotal role retailers can play in navigating these complexities. By implementing strategies such as offering discounts on nearing-expiration products, optimizing inventory management, and facilitating food donations, retailers stand poised to reduce waste, realize economic benefits, and bolster community well-being. Furthermore, the paper illuminates the economic, environmental, and societal implications of food waste, thereby highlighting the necessity for multifaceted solutions. Emphasizing the essentiality of collaboration among retailers, governmental entities, and community stakeholders, the research presents a compelling framework for cities globally.

Author Biographies

  • Shanmukhi Keesari, Weddington High School

    Shanmukhi Keesari, a Junior at Weddington High School and general writer for the Weddington Witness is a multi-talented individual who finds joy in painting, fundraising for good causes, and her love for animals. Alongside her creative endeavors in art, she actively engages in fundraising initiatives to make a positive impact on society.

  • Sri Yash Tadimalla, UNC Charlotte

    Yash is a Ph.D. student in the College of Computing and Informatics at UNC Charlotte, where he is pursuing an interdisciplinary degree in Computer Science and Sociology. As an immigrant delving into technology access research, Yash offers nuanced insights into the intricate links between educational and technological accessibility and global food and health insecurities, all profoundly shaped by his personal journey and experiences. His research agenda explores how an individual's identity influences their interaction with and learning of technology, particularly in the domains of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Computer Science (CS) education.

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Published

2024-02-08

Issue

Vol. 17 No. 1 (2023)

Section

STS and Our Food

License

Copyright (c) 2024 Intersect: The Stanford Journal of Science, Technology, and Society

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