The San Jose Sharks were recently recognized for their environmental efforts.
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Earlier this week, the San Jose Sharks hockey team received a certificate of achievement for its success in implementing the Food Recovery Challenge, an Environmental Protection Agency initiative that aims to reduce food waste and feed the needy. The Sharks began participating in the program in 2010 and since then have donated more than 20,000 pounds of food, creating 15,580 meals for hungry people in the Bay Area.
“It’s an honor to be recognized by the EPA for the organization’s efforts with the Food Recovery Challenge. The Sharks organization takes great pride in being a ‘good neighbor’ within our local communities,” Sharks spokesperson Scott Emmert said.
The food the team donates is prepared but untouched concession food left over from game nights. The donations the team makes are through a local soup kitchen called Martha’s Kitchen in the Willow Glen neighborhood of San Jose. Along with the Food Recovery Challenge, the team also installed a Bloom Energy Server in 2012. The Bloom Energy Saver replaces about 90 percent of electrical utility power used during non-events at SAP Center and about 25 percent used during the Sharks’ game days.
“The Sharks continue to take a leadership role by once again proving the environmental and financial benefits of effective waste management strategies, from source reduction and food donations to recycling and composting,” the NHL’s director of sustainability said in a news release.