Build Back Better Detroit
Lowering Food Costs in Detroit through decreasing food waste in commercial kitchens
Awarded Restaurants
Vanderberg Dinning Hall
Hillcrest Hall
Oakland Center
Sylvan Table
Johnny's Speakeasy
Alchemi
Folk Detroit
In 2021, The PLEDGE launched a pilot project in partnership with Make Food Not Waste, a Detroit Metro Area non-profit, to help area restaurants eliminate hidden sources of food waste and implement long-lasting practices for waste prevention. 7 restaurants were certified in June 2023 and are the 1st in the U.S. to get certified for The PLEDGE.
The project was made possible with funding from U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as well as outreach support from Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC).
Hear from our Pledgers
“This really should be the standard and will be the standard for any good kitchen.”
— Craig Kuhlmann
“Anyone who wants to do The PLEDGE™ will feel better about what we’re doing in the industry.”
— Bryan Pencola
The PLEDGE™ on Food Waste helps restaurants understand where waste is happening and then put actionable steps in place to prevent it. We’ve seen it have a dramatic effect not only on the environment but also on employee engagement and profit margins. It truly is a win-win for restaurants.”
— Danielle Todd Turned beef trim into meatball appetizer, now #1 appetizer on both menus; $10,000 in sales in 3 months
— Craig Kuhlmann
"We understand it's not only our responsibility and call on our vendors and customers to aid in a broader waste management system that's overall healthier for our people, products and planet.”
— Rohani Foulkes
“The PLEDGE gave us the momentum to get things done that we’ve been wanting to do.”
— Evol Gazzarato Resident District Manager, Oakland University at Chartwells Higher Education Dining Services