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As a result of working with ReThink Disposable, Interfaith Neighbors has eliminated distributing fruit cups, as well as individually wrapped desserts, and is now providing clients with fresh fruit. This practice also reduces the number of paper bags used for delivery. The changes are a healthier alternative for both the client and environment and saves essential funds that can be used to better serve their client.

Business Profile:

Founded in 1988, Interfaith Neighbors has been assisting the most vulnerable in Monmouth County, New Jersey in securing life’s critical necessities, while working to improve the quality of life for individuals, families, and their communities. Interfaith Neighbors provides multiple services, including daily meals through their Meals on Wheels programs. 

Packaging practices prior to ReThink Disposable:

Prior to working with ReThink Disposable, the organization has been providing a fruit cup in small single-use containers and monthly spent thousands of dollars ordering products. 

Recommendations Implemented:

Interfaith Neighbors replaced their daily 4-ounce fruit cocktail containers and plastic-wrapped individual desserts for fresh fruit. Staff are pleased with providing healthier food to their clients and clients have expressed their delight at getting fresh fruit. 

There was a $0 upfront cost for these new zero-waste practices. 
 

Before & After
Packaged dessert and plastic cup fruit
Box of fresh oranges
Business Information:

810 4th Avenue
Asbury Park, NJ 07712
United States

The Bottom Line

$72,000

Total annual cost savings

986,960

Disposable items reduced each year

8,702 lbs

Annual waste reduction

My eyes were made wide open. We replaced a plastic fruit cup, mainly sugar, with a fresh piece of fruit. We took sugary desserts out of our meals as well. Many are diabetic so this is a cost savings as well as a much more nutritious alternative.

-
Beth Paterno, Director, Nutrition Program
ReThink Disposable - Stop waste before it starts

Reducing Single-Use Food Packaging

ReThink Disposable works with local governments, businesses and institutions, and consumers of single use food packaging to inspire a cultural shift away from single-use "throwaway" lifestyle.

Learn More

Related Case Studies

Interfaith Neighbors Senior Center Program

Interfaith Neighbors provides multiple services, including daily dine-in meals through their six senior nutrition programs. Through their partnership with ReThink Disposable, Interfaith Neighbors eliminated 100% of their single-use disposable foodware for a total annual net cost savings of $37,113 - saving valuable funds that can be used to better serve their clients.

Franciscan Charities of Newark, NJ

ReThink Disposable provided Franciscan Charities of Newark with 400 sets of reusable food serviceware, eliminating 936,000 single-use disposables totaling 10,750 pounds from entering the waste stream annually and providing clients with a more dignified meal experience. "We are appreciative that we won’t only save up to $50,000 every year but we are also moving towards being better stewards of our environment." - Director Melissa Hillier, Franciscan Charities of Newark