The 2026 Food Waste Solutions Summit is a regional gathering aimed at disrupting food waste issues facing our communities, expanding our networks, and inspiring dynamic solutions. Our fourth summit builds on collaborative efforts activated by the 2017, 2019 and 2023 summits, bringing together local businesses, organizations, and university leaders to expand cross-sector conversations and deepen partnerships. The past three summits attracted hundreds of attendees from dozens of community organizations, businesses, and government agencies and resulted in the launch of Food Waste Solutions WNC, a collaborative network addressing food waste recovery issues including: 

• Support for edible food waste collection and redistribution

• Increased landfill diversion tactics

• Innovative enterprise development

• Development of community and municipal level compost initiatives

Because of this work, the Asheville area now serves as a model for other communities across North Carolina striving to reduce food waste.