‘We talk a good talk on cost control but we don’t act on cost control’: Staring at 9% hike, Niagara tax mitigation motion still fails

‘We talk a good talk on cost control but we don’t act on cost control’: Staring at 9% hike, Niagara tax mitigation motion still fails

While Regional Councillor Bob Gale’s measures to mitigate the impact of a potential nine percent budget increase in 2024 were shot down last week, the lack of public participation around next year’s Niagara Regional budget is what concerns him most—promised public engagement was “deferred” by staff.



Leaked letter to mayors suggests PCs learned little from Greenbelt & boundary expansion scandals

Leaked letter to mayors suggests PCs learned little from Greenbelt & boundary expansion scandals

A leaked letter from Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Paul Calandra to Ontario municipalities, shared by Environmental Defence, calls on mayors to unilaterally endorse planning blueprints that will support the Doug Ford PC government’s ambitious housing policy.

The letter circumvents council and regional authority, where decision making for future land use planning lies.



‘We can’t be the solution’, Food Banks Mississauga CEO says as report reveals disturbing extent of need across Canada 

‘We can’t be the solution’, Food Banks Mississauga CEO says as report reveals disturbing extent of need across Canada 

While the Mississauga Food Bank fell short of its overall goal for the Thanksgiving Food Drive, the organization, which is seeing an unprecedented number of clients each month, still managed to raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for those in need.

The 9th annual drive wrapped up as Food Banks Canada released its 2023 Hunger Count Report, revealing the need for food bank services—higher than ever before—continues to worsen across the country.



PCs make another move to greenlight environmentally disastrous Highway 413

PCs make another move to greenlight environmentally disastrous Highway 413

The Supreme Court of Canada ruled portions of the federal Impact Assessment Act — the Liberal government’s rigid environmental assessment scheme — to be unconstitutional.

The decision was celebrated by the PC government as potentially opening the door for its controversial Highway 413, which is currently designated under the Act. When the PC government learned it was mistaken, it is now taking further legal steps to approve the mega-highway that would cause serious environmental harm in Southern Ontario. 



Land scandal part 2: Evidence shows Ford PCs & developers schemed behind the scenes to force more sprawl on municipalities

Land scandal part 2: Evidence shows Ford PCs & developers schemed behind the scenes to force more sprawl on municipalities

Thousands of documents received by Environmental Defence through an FOI request reveal PC government staff were working directly with developers to expand municipal urban boundaries, using a series of backroom deals similar to those in the Greenbelt scandal.

The new information reveals a pattern of behaviour by the PCs to give sprawl developers exactly what they want, and opens the door for cities and regions to retake control over their own planning, after alarming interference by Doug Ford’s government and land speculators with ties to its leader.



Deal reached to reopen St. Lawrence Seaway after weeklong strike 

Deal reached to reopen St. Lawrence Seaway after weeklong strike 

After workers walked off the job one week ago, halting shipping along the St. Lawrence Seaway, including Niagara's Welland Canal, a tentative agreement has been reached between the St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation and Unifor, the union representing 360 workers responsible for managing one of Ontario’s most crucial economic corridors. 



Ford government ignores clean energy transition, expands existing gas plants to produce more electricity

Ford government ignores clean energy transition, expands existing gas plants to produce more electricity

Despite the Ontario government’s promise not to open any new natural gas plants, it is expanding capacity at existing facilities.

While the federal government drafts Clean Energy Regulations to achieve a net zero electricity grid by 2035, loopholes allow provinces to keep polluting the air in the name of energy production.



Environmental groups take PC government to court over failure to respond to Greenbelt FOIs

Environmental groups take PC government to court over failure to respond to Greenbelt FOIs

Environmental Defence, represented by Ecojustice, has filed a court case against the Ontario government for failing to respond to a freedom of information request submitted last November that sought documents related to the Greenbelt Plan which removed 15 parcels of land from the protected greenspace.

Despite Doug Ford’s recent acknowledgements of irresponsible behaviour and apologies to the public, the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing has yet to comply with the FOI request. 



After crippling 10.5% tax increase, St. Catharines could provide an ounce of relief

After crippling 10.5% tax increase, St. Catharines could provide an ounce of relief

On Monday, St. Catharines will consider offering tax relief to older, low income homeowners who may be struggling after the unprecedented 10.5 percent tax increase approved by councillors for 2023. 

The City is also considering the creation of a social procurement program to increase diversity among its vendors. 



Welland Canal strike has devastating impact on Niagara’s economy—much of Ontario

Welland Canal strike has devastating impact on Niagara’s economy—much of Ontario

It is estimated that 78 percent of the St. Lawrence Seaway’s Niagara region economic activity passes through the Welland Canal.

The mayors of four municipalities along the critical waterway are imploring federal officials to bring an end to the strike that has shut down the Welland Canal since Sunday.



Abuse, neglect and cash settlements: How a lack of accountability is harming children in Ontario schools for the deaf and blind 

Abuse, neglect and cash settlements: How a lack of accountability is harming children in Ontario schools for the deaf and blind 

Jane went through hell at E.C. Drury School for the Deaf. But she is not alone. 

Ontario has paid out $23 million in taxpayer money to children harmed at schools under the mandate of the Provincial and Demonstration School Branch (PDSB). Yet, no systemic review of allegations or problems plaguing its broken culture has been conducted by the Ministry of Education. Minister Stephen Lecce has refused to do so. 

One family is taking the Board and government to court, hoping to finally end the abuse. 



Struggling Niagara taxpayers asked to cover 7.1% increase for region’s police force

Struggling Niagara taxpayers asked to cover 7.1% increase for region’s police force

Still reeling from crippling tax hikes in municipalities such as St. Catharines, where homeowners are furious after an unprecedented 10.5% increase in the property bill for 2023 (pushed through after the public budget process), residents across the region are now being asked to cover a massive budget increase for Niagara’s police force.   



Supreme Court ruling on Impact Assessment Act still allows Ottawa oversight of Highway 413

Supreme Court ruling on Impact Assessment Act still allows Ottawa oversight of Highway 413

A recent Supreme Court decision ruled that parts of the Impact Assessment Act are unconstitutional. But while the decision is being celebrated across provinces whose conservative governments rail against interference by Ottawa, the federal government has vowed to review the process, and, while doing so, certain projects, including Doug Ford’s Highway 413, remain under its microscope.



PCs want to ‘close Greenbelt chapter’ with new legislation; will public forgive and forget?

PCs want to ‘close Greenbelt chapter’ with new legislation; will public forgive and forget?

Housing Minister Paul Calandra introduced legislation Monday designed to protect the Greenbelt from future incursions. But questions remain regarding how strong the new Bill really is, as the PCs continue to chip away at protected greenspaces through a variety of other legislation and projects.



Niagara Falls might close door on significant housing development: Heritage designations under review in Port Colborne

Niagara Falls might close door on significant housing development: Heritage designations under review in Port Colborne

Staff in the City of Niagara Falls are recommending councillors turn down a rezoning application for a large housing development that could bring nearly 1,400 housing units to the municipality.

Following stipulations in the PC government’s controversial Bill 23, Port Colborne is reviewing a series of heritage designation requests to determine what should, or should not be preserved in the years to come. 



Doug Ford’s latest threat to environmental protections & Ontario’s natural water systems

Doug Ford’s latest threat to environmental protections & Ontario’s natural water systems

Four proposals open on the Environmental Registry of Ontario call for the removal of licensing requirements for a range of activities that could severely impact the management of increased storm activity across the province and the protection of our most sensitive water systems.

Legislation put forward by the PC government to expedite commercial activity would make it easier to ignore critical hydrological conditions.  



Israeli/Palestinian conflict challenges Canadian values of tolerance & pluralism  

Israeli/Palestinian conflict challenges Canadian values of tolerance & pluralism  

Public gatherings in support of Israel and Palestinians have taken place in cities across the globe since the horrifying attacks on innocent civilians by Hamas last Saturday.

In Mississauga, an impromptu celebration at a plaza parking lot shortly after news of the violence was first reported raises questions about our commitment to condemn behaviour that is anti-Canadian, while simultaneously supporting citizens seeking justice through peaceful means. 



Turmoil continues for PCs as RCMP launch investigation into Greenbelt scandal; AG reviewing use of MZOs

Turmoil continues for PCs as RCMP launch investigation into Greenbelt scandal; AG reviewing use of MZOs

Assurances by Premier Doug Ford of no wrongdoing in the process to remove 15 parcels of land from the Greenbelt, creating $8.3 billion of value for preferred developers, have failed to stop the RCMP from investigating the controversial land swaps.

While the national police force begins its formal probe, the province’s Auditor General has launched its own investigation to examine the Ontario government’s use of MZOs to benefit private companies.



Despite reversal of Greenbelt swaps, Ford government doubling down on projects that put Ontario farmland at risk

Despite reversal of Greenbelt swaps, Ford government doubling down on projects that put Ontario farmland at risk

While the Greenbelt scandal has been exposed and the developer-driven plan is set to be scrapped, the PC government has shifted gears to push the Highway 413 and Bradford Bypass projects, with more Greenbelt land and valuable agricultural properties at risk.



In Ontario Doug Ford and his PC government make a mockery of Truth and Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples

In Ontario Doug Ford and his PC government make a mockery of Truth and Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples

On September 30, the third National Day for Truth and Reconciliation was recognized across the part of Turtle Island now known as Canada. As the 15th anniversary of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples passes, the federal government has completed 13 of 94 calls to action established by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and implemented in 2015.

While progress has been slow at the federal level, in Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s government has introduced multiple pieces of legislation that completely negate free, prior and informed consent—a cornerstone of the truth and reconciliation commitments to undo centuries of injustice done to Indigenous peoples.



Mississauga declares intimate partner violence an epidemic: a ‘first step’ toward desperately needed funding

Mississauga declares intimate partner violence an epidemic: a ‘first step’ toward desperately needed funding

City Council declared gender-based violence and intimate partner violence an epidemic in Mississauga, similar to motions brought forward to Brampton and Regional council earlier this year. It is a move advocacy groups are calling a “first step” toward addressing the root cause of these extreme acts of violence common across the region, but without sufficient recognition and funding from the Province, these violent crimes will continue. 



We are ‘expected to fill those gaps’: Food Banks Mississauga has rebranded but governments still aren’t paying attention

We are ‘expected to fill those gaps’: Food Banks Mississauga has rebranded but governments still aren’t paying attention

As The Mississauga Food Bank announces its rebranding to Food Banks Mississauga, a name the organization’s CEO says better reflects the work it does, the community service has also revealed in its latest report that five percent of the city’s population is now turning to the food bank to meet one of its most basic needs. The shocking statistic comes as the organization predicts a further surge in food insecurity in the community with no government intervention in sight.



St. Catharines considering more taxpayer-funded incentives for developers despite questions about their effectiveness

St. Catharines considering more taxpayer-funded incentives for developers despite questions about their effectiveness

A report coming to St. Catharines council on Monday includes a recommendation for the approval of incentive applications for three development proposals as part of the City’s 2020 Community Improvement Plan. Monday’s report raises questions and stirs previous concerns about the effectiveness of these incentive programs that have historically been criticized in Niagara Region for giving wealthy developers even greater profits at the expense of taxpayers who see few benefits.



Erosion of support among Doug Ford’s conservative base leads to Greenbelt reversal

Erosion of support among Doug Ford’s conservative base leads to Greenbelt reversal

Premier Doug Ford announced the reversal of the widely reviled Greenbelt Plan Thursday, putting all 14 remaining parcels of land removed last November back into the protected greenscape. Despite an apology and admission of his mistake, advocates remain cautious of the government’s integrity and intentions, turning their attention to projects like Highway 413 and the Bradford Bypass which have been under intense scrutiny. 



Youth climate strikes broaden the tent for activism as right or left makes little difference to a generation fighting for collective protection

Youth climate strikes broaden the tent for activism as right or left makes little difference to a generation fighting for collective protection

With the climate movement growing across the globe, organizers are seeing more young people of diverse backgrounds (in many ways) get involved. Two young Ontario activists, Sophia Mathur and Miranda Baksh, say this diversity is important because climate change affects all, regardless of race, class or political stripe. The purpose is not to alienate any particular segment, but to galvanize generations demanding government protection. 



The Greenbelt review is supposed to protect greenspace: Doug Ford wants the opposite

The Greenbelt review is supposed to protect greenspace: Doug Ford wants the opposite

Following the resignation of former housing minister Steve Clark and a reshuffling of Ford’s cabinet ministers, the PC government will conduct a review that will include all requests for Greenbelt land removals — as many as 800. While this is mandatory every ten years, experts say the intent is to strengthen Greenbelt policies and expand the protected area, not remove parcels for development. 



With Bonnie Crombie taking leave and no certainty around her return, who might be the next Mississauga mayor?

With Bonnie Crombie taking leave and no certainty around her return, who might be the next Mississauga mayor?

Following months of speculation about her time as mayor ahead of November’s vote for the Ontario Liberal Party leadership, Bonnie Crombie has confirmed she will take a leave of absence from her role as Mississauga mayor. With a good chance she might not return, who are some of the likely candidates that will vie to replace the popular leader?



With extreme heat, schools struggle to provide students with optimal learning environment

With extreme heat, schools struggle to provide students with optimal learning environment

The first week back to school across much of southern Ontario featured humidex values in the low 40s, temperatures that make it difficult for learning.

As high temperatures arrive earlier in the spring and persist into fall, which future climate models point to, schools will need to keep students and staff safe and cool.



Doug Ford accepts Steve Clark’s resignation, announces review but allows Greenbelt development to proceed

Doug Ford accepts Steve Clark’s resignation, announces review but allows Greenbelt development to proceed

Immediately after Steve Clark resigned as Ontario’s housing minister, demands rained down for the protection of all Greenbelt lands.

Doug Ford, the man responsible for approving carve outs that stand to earn developers more than $8 billion, has yet to explain his role in the scandal. A review he announced Monday already has critics questioning what good it will do, after the premier refused to halt development of the vital protected greenspace.  



Clark broke ethics laws in Greenbelt scandal: IC report unpacks how PCs, development industry worked hand-in-glove to bulldoze protected lands 

Clark broke ethics laws in Greenbelt scandal: IC report unpacks how PCs, development industry worked hand-in-glove to bulldoze protected lands 

A damning report from Ontario’s Integrity Commissioner detailed the utter failure of Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Steve Clark, who said he had his “head in the sand” while 15 parcels of land in the once protected Greenbelt were approved for home construction at a value of $8.3 billion to prominent developers.

The report, which follows a blistering probe by Ontario’s Auditor General, has left the Ford PC government reeling, exposing the cozy relationship between powerful builders and the ruling party. 



PCs offer incentives to municipalities that target housing goals, extend strong mayor powers for faster approvals 

PCs offer incentives to municipalities that target housing goals, extend strong mayor powers for faster approvals 

In a slew of press releases last week, the PC government introduced the Building Faster Fund at the Association of Municipalities of Ontario annual meeting in London.

The funding incentives will provide up to $1.2 billion over three years for municipalities that meet or exceed the housing targets they have pledged to achieve by 2031 as part of the Ford government’s plan to build 1.5 million homes. Premier Ford also extended existing strong mayor powers to municipalities once again, on the condition they sign onto the provincial housing pledge. 



Ontario refuses to study cumulative impacts of development on its most vulnerable species; Pointer investigation reveals widespread harm

Ontario refuses to study cumulative impacts of development on its most vulnerable species; Pointer investigation reveals widespread harm

An investigation by The Pointer has revealed just how damaging the Ontario government's ongoing push for development is to its most at risk species. 

Development proposals, whether for a highway, a water main, or a subdivision, are analyzed in silos. Projects in Mississauga do not consider the impacts to wildlife in Pickering or Niagara, and those in Caledon do not analyze what goes on in Markham or Oshawa. But what if all these projects are harming the same species? Or the same threatened ecosystem?

That’s exactly what is happening to Ontario’s species at risk. Despite repeated calls from the provincial auditor general, the PC government refuses to analyze the cumulative impacts of its manic push for growth.



Ontario allows industrial emitters to pollute beyond acceptable levels; environmental law organization calling for change

Ontario allows industrial emitters to pollute beyond acceptable levels; environmental law organization calling for change

While the world transitions to a low carbon economy, it is often overlooked that smoke billowing from smokestacks is more than just the greenhouse gasses that warm the atmosphere. Hidden within the noxious clouds blooming from industrial smokestacks is a large sum of toxic chemicals, many of which can have adverse effects on human health.

A provincial policy that allows certain companies to break air quality standards put in place to protect human health is being questioned by a group of environmental lawyers. 



RCMP ‘investigating irregularities’ in PC Greenbelt scandal following auditor general’s report 

RCMP ‘investigating irregularities’ in PC Greenbelt scandal following auditor general’s report 

Scrutiny of the PC land swap that removed 7,400 acres from the protected Greenbelt continues as the RCMP announce it has received a referral from the Ontario Provincial Police to investigate the matter. 

The potential police investigation comes after auditor general Bonnie Lysyk exposed the process used by the PC government to choose parcels of land for removal heavily favoured prominent developers and PC donors. 



Investigation needed into entire PC development agenda following Greenbelt scandal, advocates state 

Investigation needed into entire PC development agenda following Greenbelt scandal, advocates state 

A collaborative of more than 50 social organizations is calling on Auditor General Bonnie Lysyk and the Ontario integrity commissioner to keep digging into the PC government and conduct a fulsome analysis of the behind the scenes work that went into creating the myriad of development policies rammed through during Premier Doug Ford’s tenure—many of which have benefited prominent home builders in Ontario.

The group posits that if the auditor general found wrongdoing in the flawed Greenbelt land removal scheme—a process Premier Ford said the ends justified the means—there could be more wrongdoing to uncover.  



Advocates call on province to uphold anti-racism commitments as pushback against equity work spreads

Advocates call on province to uphold anti-racism commitments as pushback against equity work spreads

In light of an announcement by Education Minister Stephen Lecce to investigate the circumstances around a lawsuit by late TDSB principal Robert Bilkszto, Black community advocates gathered at a press conference on August 2 calling for the protection and continuation of anti-racism work and diversity/equity/inclusion efforts in Ontario school systems.

Across North America, equity work is meeting more and more resistance. 



MPPs, advocates, demand police investigation into PC Greenbelt land swap following scathing AG report 

MPPs, advocates, demand police investigation into PC Greenbelt land swap following scathing AG report 

The leaders of the three opposition parties in Ontario are all calling for the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, Steve Clark, to resign following the release of the auditor general’s report that provided a detailed account of how the PC government worked behind the scenes, holding hands with some of the country’s most powerful developers, to open up large swaths of the Greenbelt for development.

For some, a resignation is not enough and are calling for the lands to be returned to the Greenbelt and a criminal investigation into the scandal. 



Developer attempt to transform green sanctuary in Welland headed to Ontario Land Tribunal 

Developer attempt to transform green sanctuary in Welland headed to Ontario Land Tribunal 

In the 1990s a local family sold a cherished greenspace in the heart of Welland to the City with the promise that it would be protected. Three decades later the lands have been sold to a local developer for a three-storey condominium, leaving residents up in arms that the City did not hold up its end of the deal.

After elected officials caught wind of the area’s unique history, the development application has been under the microscope. Now, the developers are appealing to the Ontario Land Tribunal to obtain the necessary approvals. 



Ontario Auditor General unwraps Doug Ford’s multi-billion dollar Greenbelt gift to developers

Ontario Auditor General unwraps Doug Ford’s multi-billion dollar Greenbelt gift to developers

A report by Bonnie Lysyk offers a detailed account of how the PC government, led by Premier Doug Ford, worked behind the scenes, taking directions from some of the most powerful developers in the country, to open up Ontario’s protected Greenbelt so they can pocket billions in profits by destroying greenspaces for sprawling subdivisions.

Lysyk estimates the Greenbelt land owned by developers, much of it bought after Ford won the 2022 election, is now worth $8.523 billion. 



Diary From a St. Catharines Council Meeting

Diary From a St. Catharines Council Meeting

Residents of Niagara Region’s largest city were blindsided by a 10.5 percent tax increase last month.

In a special meeting meant to open the door for them to comment on this unprecedented tax hike, councillors blocked delegates from speaking. A young resident describes the scene and the shock of seeing elected officials ignore the basic tenets of our democratic process. 



Climate litigation on the rise; will a landmark Canadian law help courts force real change?

Climate litigation on the rise; will a landmark Canadian law help courts force real change?

A new joint report from the United Nations Environment Program and the Sabin Centre for Climate Change Law at Columbia university shows climate change litigation is on the rise globally.

Citizens are increasingly taking corporations and governments to court over their failure to responsibly act on emissions reductions and other environmental harms. The process has moved slowly and many cases have been lost in the past, but lawyers say the tide is changing toward the strongest form of climate action. New Canadian legislation could speed up the fight.



Warming climate pushes vectors farther north, increasing risk of Lyme disease in Canada

Warming climate pushes vectors farther north, increasing risk of Lyme disease in Canada

As temperatures continue to rise it’s not only the human habitat that is changing. More and more ecosystems are becoming increasingly suitable habitats for a variety of biting insects that transmit pathogens and diseases, which can be harmful to humans.



Ontario needs to finalize its environment plan, while addressing the climate crisis, sustainable land use planning and water security 

Ontario needs to finalize its environment plan, while addressing the climate crisis, sustainable land use planning and water security 

Time has run out on the Ontario PC government. The recent by-election losses are the latest evidence that residents are ready for change.

If Doug Ford doesn’t align his policies with the need for immediate action to avert a climate disaster, voters will take the protection of the air we breathe and water we drink into our own hands. 



Environmental racism comes to light with proposed Bill C-226; while a new law enshrines environmental justice in Canada

Environmental racism comes to light with proposed Bill C-226; while a new law enshrines environmental justice in Canada

Bill C-226 has sparked awareness of environmental racism across Canada. It is an injustice that continues to plague Indigenous, Black and other marginalized communities. The Bill’s passage would be a significant step toward justice, after decades of harm to people forced to drink dirty water, live alongside poisoned lakes and contaminated industrial sites. For Ingrid Waldron, a champion of the environmental racism education and activist movement in Canada, legislation to stop institutionalized harm is long overdue. Meanwhile, Bill S-5 just passed, possibly leading to legal precedents for the protection of environmental rights. 



St. Catharines' crippling 10.5% property tax increase will push many to the brink

St. Catharines' crippling 10.5% property tax increase will push many to the brink

On May 29th, St. Catharines city council, forced by its mayor and six councillors, endorsed, by the narrowest of margins, an across-the-board 10.51% property tax increase. It’s the highest in the city’s history. As residents receive their tax bills, citizens are beginning to understand how this record increase will impact their lives; many have been pushed to the edge of a personal financial crisis. 



‘Clueless’ Ford government abandoning agriculture

‘Clueless’ Ford government abandoning agriculture

As the need for locally grown produce, wheat and other food staples becomes more and more critical, to reduce the cost of what we eat, dramatically shrink our carbon footprint and to practice sustainable ways of living, the Doug Ford PC government continues to move Ontario backward, writes the architect of the province’s Greenbelt plan, Victor Doyle.



Growing number of youth are experiencing ‘eco-anxiety’; experts say despair can be turned into meaningful action

Growing number of youth are experiencing ‘eco-anxiety’; experts say despair can be turned into meaningful action

Among all of the stressors of growing up in the 21st century, climate change tops the list for causing anxiety in youth. While this type of stress can be debilitating, experts and young climate advocates say channeling this fear into action can have a monumental impact. 



PCs trumpet funding to protect natural areas while conservation authorities struggle

PCs trumpet funding to protect natural areas while conservation authorities struggle

A $14 million investment made by the PC government to support conservation efforts is being praised as a crucial step forward for sustainability. However, the funds come alongside cuts Doug Ford has made to conservation authorities, impacting their ability to shape a more sustainable future.



Scorching summers test Ontario’s electricity grid; nuclear gets a boost while green energy lags behind

Scorching summers test Ontario’s electricity grid; nuclear gets a boost while green energy lags behind

Environment Canada released its climate outlook for the summer which predicted particularly hot temperatures that have now set in across much of the province. Ontario’s electricity grid has to expand and the PC government on Wednesday announced the largest new nuclear project in decades. But alternative energy sources such as solar and wind are falling behind the global take-up of greener electricity supply.



As landfills overflow and a growing population goes hungry, food waste comes into focus

As landfills overflow and a growing population goes hungry, food waste comes into focus

Ontarians waste a great deal of food. 

It’s a sad reality as the cost of staple items skyrockets, and a growing number of families are unable to put enough on their table. Wasted food comes with significant financial and environmental costs that are becoming increasingly hard to ignore for municipalities and corporations.