2024 ReFED Food Waste Solutions Summit

Caroline Howe works with the District of Columbia’s Department of Small & Local Business Development’s Innovation & Equity Development team. She focuses on programs that increase access to the private sector for disadvantaged communities and empower public-private partnerships to tackle sustainability challenges. She is a Project Manager for many programs in DSLBD, including the District's Food Waste Innovation Grants, a program that supports small food businesses in creatively making the most of their food; our Aspire to Entrepreneurship program that engages returning citizens in their own business creation; and our Kitchen Matchmaking program, to connect small entrepreneurs with underutilized kitchen space. She also facilitates the District’s Food Recovery Working Group, which brings together nonprofits, businesses, local government staff, and Federal employees to make the most of food in the District through collaborative programs.

Overall, Caroline loves solving problems, and am particularly passionate about addressing issues where environmental, social, and economic challenges converge. Her work centers at the intersection of community engagement, participatory design, and social enterprise. Outside of government work, she teaches improv comedy, cooks recovered feasts, and volunteers growing flowers and food with community groups.