JUST EAT IT

Just Eat It, A Food Waste Story
Silvapark Films Inc
Monday September 30, 2024

Food is a universal passion that brings people together. Yet, we waste 40% of the food produced. Join us for an eye-opening event as we tag along with filmmakers Jen and Grant on their compelling journey while they confront the staggering issue of food waste, which accounts for nearly 40% of all food produced. By living solely off discarded food, they uncover the shocking realities of waste in North America and the billions of dollars lost each year. Featuring insights from experts like TED lecturer Tristram Stuart, the documentary explores our obsession with expiration dates and perfect produce, while highlighting the urgent need for change. This startling film combines education and entertainment, inviting viewers to rethink their relationship with food and its impact on society.

4 AWESOME PANELISTS:

🌱MELISSA PENNETT is an Environmental Sustainability Specialist with the City of Fairfax, Virginia, where she plays a pivotal role in shaping sustainable practices within the community. With a Master’s degree in Sustainable Urban Planning, Melissa brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her position, particularly in the realm of solid waste planning and program implementation. In 2024 she was recognized for her distinction and dedication to the field by being awarded the Young Professional of the Year Award by the Solid Waste Association of North America.

Throughout her career, Melissa has been dedicated to fostering environmentally responsible practices and driving positive change at the local level. She is passionate about finding innovative solutions to waste management challenges and is committed to promoting sustainable living within urban environments. She is excited to share her insights and exchange ideas during the Monthly Monday Eco Flicks Series, contributing to the collective effort towards a more sustainable future.

🌱MATT ADAMS, Fairfax County Division Director of the Solid Waste Waste Management Program.

🌱JACKIE WINCEK is the Procurement and Sustainability Manager at DC Central Kitchen, a hunger and social empowerment non-profit established in 1989. Jackie helps balance all incoming donations with purchased product for meals to be distributed to the community. The department runs DCCK’s gleaning program which partners with local farms during the harvest months, and sustainability projects including food waste tracking using Leanpath technology, expansive local sourcing efforts, and a PPE recycling program. She served as an AmeriCorps volunteer before transitioning to the private sector to work in operations and supply chain management. Jackie’s passion for improving the food system and reducing waste led her to join DC Central Kitchen in early 2019.

🌱SARAH SELVARAJ-DSOUZA is a community organizer and Executive Director of Restonstrong. The grassroots initiative under her leadership has grown to become Restonstrong a 501c(3) community action group with amazing charity partners and community supporters. Supporting and feeding hundreds on a weekly basis at the Restonstrong Sunday FREE Market solely through food rescue donations and community partnerships with stores like COSTCO, Mom’s Organic, Harris Teeter and more.

Diversity, innovation, and adaptation have been an integral part of her life. Raised in India, she travelled on a full scholarship to Singapore and completed her engineering degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering, she also obtained a MBA in Bristol, England, and moved to Reston 16 years ago to start a family.

EVENT SPONSORS: : Climate Action NOW (CAN) 501c3, Network NOVA, TRACE-The Zero Waste Store, DC Central Kitchen, and Climate and Clean Energy Working Group (CCEWG).

BOOK TICKETS NOW before they’re sold out!