Karma for Cara Foundation microgrant recipients have competed in an application process alongside other young people who have spearheaded exceptional service projects that benefit their communities. In order to qualify for a K4C award, an applicant must be 18 years of age or younger, and the project must take place in the US.

Who? Shrusti from MD, Founder & CEO of Rise N Shine Foundation

What? Can We Do Something About Food Waste?

Where? Clarksburg, MD

Why? Shrusti informed us that food waste stands as the third-largest contributor to climate change, not only emitting greenhouse gasses and elevating temperatures but also exacerbating hunger among vulnerable populations by depriving them of nutritious resources. In Maryland, the State Department of Environment reports an alarming annual generation of 900,000 tons of food waste, constituting a staggering 17% of landfill waste, posing risks to human health & the environment. Concurrently, around 800,000 Marylanders face food insecurity, intensifying the gravity of the situation. Nationally, approximately 40% of food produced, processed, and transported in the U.S. is wasted, burdening natural resources, finances, and communities. Shrusti founded Rise N Shine Foundation with two primary goals: 1) diverting food waste from landfills to compost facilities to reduce greenhouse gasses and 2)rescuing surplus food from businesses to feed vulnerable community members experiencing food insecurity.

Shrusti’s Karma for Cara project included food composting initiatives in schools to divert uneaten food scraps from incinerators or landfills to compost facilities, mitigating harmful greenhouse gas emissions and enriching soil for gardens. Additionally, young participants involved the project rescued good, unused food from schools & businesses to donate to homeless shelters, addressing both environmental and societal challenges.

Over 4 years, the Rise N Shine Foundation diverted 142,852 pounds of food waste, equivalent to planting 942 seedlings or abstaining from driving 141,709 miles. The food recovery program provided over 300,000 meals valued at $450,000. Operating in 12 schools for composting and 50+ schools for food recovery, the nonprofit also collaborates with businesses and local food banks. Despite interest from 60 additional schools, funding remains a significant obstacle. The K4C award sustained & expanded the nonprofit’s initiatives, enabling them to combat food waste and insecurity in more schools & businesses.