Connecticut is using new federal funding to help reduce the amount of food that's wasted in the state.
Officials estimate nearly 520,000 tons of food waste is generated annually in Connecticut, some of which could've been donated to feed needy people.
A $50,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and a $25,000 grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency have been awarded to the Massachusetts-based Center for EcoTechnology, which is executing projects across Connecticut to help businesses and institutions minimize wasted food.
The center expects to provide technical assistance to up to 20 businesses in 2017 and ultimately divert 600 tons of wasted food.
The EPA grant is funding "Don't Waste Bridgeport," an effort to redirect wasted food from schools, supermarkets and restaurants to charity organizations in the city.
