Nationals, Levy launch food recovery program with Nourish Now

The Washington Nationals and hospitality partner Levy are proud to announce a new partnership with Nourish Now, a Maryland-based food recovery non-profit. Nourish Now will receive and distribute appropriate excess food items from Nationals Park's concession stands, clubs, and suites. The comprehensive food recovery program will also include food from special events held at the ballpark throughout the year.

The majority of the collected items will provide vital support to children, families, and veterans in Montgomery County. A portion of the donated food will be delivered to the housing facility located in Ward 8 run by U.S. Vets - Washington, D.C., a private non-profit providing housing, employment, and counseling services to local veterans. The relationship with U.S. Vets is just the beginning of Nourish Now's efforts to serve residents in the neighborhoods near Nationals Park.

Throughout the years, the Nationals have continually expanded the ballpark's sustainability efforts. Nationals Park was constructed as a LEED-certified Silver ballpark, the first major sports facility to receive this designation by the U.S. Green Building Council. Since its opening, the Nationals have worked closely with various community partners to evolve Nationals Park's infrastructure and operations to include rooftop gardens, solar panels, and 100% compostable food service utensils and packaging, among other sustainable features.

"We are thrilled to be launching this program along with Levy," said Jonathan Stahl, Washington Nationals Vice President of Ballpark Operations. "Food waste is something the Nationals have long wanted to address and Nourish Now is the perfect partner for us to work with to support our neighbors in need."

The partnership with Nourish Now continues the close collaboration between the Nationals and their hospitality partner, Levy.

"The Nationals and Levy share a deep commitment to reducing food waste, and this partnership will allow us to provide a real benefit to our community," said Lou Morga, Vice President of Hospitality for Levy at Nationals Park. "By diverting food waste from the landfill and into the hands of those in need, we are able to simultaneously give back to our community and make a positive impact on the environment."

Since its founding in 2011, Nourish Now has recovered and redistributed over 2.5 million pounds of food to families in need in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. This is Nourish Now's first partnership with a local sports facility.

"Nourish Now is grateful for this incredible opportunity with the Nationals and Levy to help the neighbors of Nationals Park with vital food assistance," said Brett Meyers, Nourish Now's Founder and Executive Director. "This will be a great addition to our robust efforts in Montgomery County."