Exploring the Impact of Matriark Foods: Innovating The Food Industry with Upcycled Ingredients

In the latest episode of the Made to Sustain podcast, host Kelly D'Amico sits down with Anna Hammond, the founder and CEO of Matriark Foods, to discuss the impact of their groundbreaking work in the upcycled food space. Matriark Foods has rapidly become a significant force within the industry, emphasizing sustainability, reducing food waste, and addressing food security through innovative practices. 

The Mission of Matriark Foods

Matriark Foods is an environmental impact food company dedicated to upcycling farm surplus and remnants from large vegetable manufacturing facilities into products for food service, retail, and emergency food sectors. Their goal is to utilize ingredients that would otherwise go to waste and turn them into delicious, sustainable pantry staples. Matriark Foods was one of the first brands that Made to Sustain worked with, and you can find their products here.

Who Is Anna Hammond?

Before launching Matriark Foods, Anna Hammond spent her career in the nonprofit sector, focusing on healthy eating programs for youth and families in public housing in New York City. This experience drove her to seek solutions to the pressing issues of food waste and food security, leading her to establish Matriark Foods. 

Matriark Foods Products and Innovation

One remarkable aspect of Matriark Foods is its diverse product portfolio, which includes:

• Vegetable Broth Concentrate: Made from tops and tails of carrots, onions, and celery.
• Liquid Mirepoix: Pureed carrots, celery, and onions packaged in large bags.
• Passata: Pureed tomatoes with a hint of roasted garlic and salt, used widely in food service.
• Retail Tomato Sauces: Including marinara, basil, and the popular spicy arrabbiata.
• Vegetable Harvest Stew: A new product for food banks, packed with wholesome ingredients.

These products are not only a testament to innovation, but also provide a practical solution to food waste.

Sustainable Packaging Choices

Matriark Foods opts for Tetra Pak packaging over traditional glass jars due to environmental and logistical benefits. Tetra Pak is lighter and reduces transport-related fossil fuel consumption, making it an environmentally friendly choice. This packaging decision shows how Matriark Foods integrates sustainability into every aspect of their business.

Addressing Food Security

One of the standout initiatives of Matriark Foods is their partnership with food banks. By offering products on the Feeding America marketplace, they aim to provide nutritious, delicious food to those facing food insecurity. This effort not only addresses immediate food needs but also supports regional farmers.

The Importance of Upcycled Foods

During the conversation, Anna highlighted a staggering statistic: globally, we grow 1.5 times the amount of food needed to feed everyone, yet a significant portion goes to waste. In the U.S. alone, 30 to 40 percent of food is wasted at various levels of the supply chain. Upcycled foods present a viable solution to this pressing problem by repurposing surplus and byproduct ingredients into valuable food items.

Future Goals for Matriark Foods

Looking ahead, Matriark Foods aims to:

1. Expand Their Impact: Scale their operations to increase their environmental and social footprint.
2. Form Strategic Partnerships: Collaborate with larger companies to accelerate growth and impact.
3. Advance Environmental Impacts: Continue innovating in sustainable packaging and processes.

Matriark Foods is Making an Impact

Under the leadership of Anna Hammond, Matriark Foods exemplifies how businesses can drive meaningful change in the food industry. By focusing on upcycled ingredients, sustainable practices, and addressing food security, they not only reduce waste but also provide high-quality, nutritious food to a broad audience.

For more information on Matriark Foods and to explore their sustainable products, visit their website and follow them on social media. Additionally, you can find Matriark Foods on the sustainable brands page of Made to Sustain.

Remember, the best way to make an impact is together. Share this post with friends and encourage others to support sustainable brands like Matriark Foods. Together, we can make a difference in reducing food waste and promoting food security.