Sam Pyros at the City of Chula Vista Office of Sustainability

For her practicum project, Sam is working with the City of Chula Vista’s Office of Sustainability to meet the state requirements for Senate Bill 1383 surrounding edible food recovery. SB 1383 is a statewide bill that requires all jurisdictions to collect and recycle organic waste, which involves reducing edible food waste and redirecting it to those in need. As the bill’s implementation begins this year, Sam has identified both Tier 1 and Tier 2 Food Generators, along with all of the local Food Recovery Organizations and Services, in order to provide educational outreach for the best practices of food recovery. Sam has also been in close communication with the County of San Diego to aid in capacity planning for the amount of food recovery that is projected to be produced within Chula Vista. 

In an effort to provide Chula Vista with future planning and practices, Sam is also gathering examples of alternative food systems and case studies of food recovery organizations from across the country. As well as, assisting Chula Vista’s multiple Gleaning groups and organizations as an active contact for food recovery going forward. She is helping Chula Vista become a leading example for other jurisdictions in the efforts of SB1383’s Climate Action response.