The Eco-Friendly Food Movement Is Coming July 2026: A Greener Future for Gloucester County

Written By Susan Ammons

Virginia is continuing to take an exciting step forward in sustainability with the launch of the Eco-Friendly Food Movement in July 2026. As part of this initiative, all food vendors will be required to eliminate the use of EPS foam containers—a major and meaningful shift toward a cleaner, healthier environment. This movement was already put in place for large chain restaurants in July of 2025 and now will be covering all food vendors next year.

Why Eliminating EPS Foam Matters

Expanded Polystyrene (EPS), commonly known as foam or Styrofoam, has long been a convenient food-service staple. However, its environmental impact is significant:

  • Not biodegradable: EPS foam can take hundreds of years to break down, lingering in landfills and natural habitats.

  • Harmful to wildlife: When foam breaks into smaller pieces, animals may ingest it, causing injury, illness, or death.

  • Difficult to recycle: Very few facilities accept EPS foam, and contamination from food waste makes recycling even more challenging.

  • Contributes to pollution: Lightweight foam easily blows from trash bins into waterways, contributing to litter and marine pollution.

By removing EPS foam from local food service, Virginia & Gloucester County are reducing waste, protecting wildlife, and lowering pollution—making our community a cleaner place for future generations.

What This Means for Food Vendors

Beginning July 2026, all vendors will transition to eco-friendly, sustainable packaging options. These may include:

  • Recyclable paper products

  • Compostable containers

  • Reusable packaging solutions

  • Plant-based materials

This change benefits not only the environment but also customers who are increasingly seeking greener, more conscientious businesses to support.

Learn More and Get Prepared

Vendors and community members who want to learn more about sustainable packaging options, timelines, and best practices can visit AskHRGreen.org. The site offers helpful resources, FAQs, and guidance to support this transition.

Together, we can make Gloucester County greener and more sustainable—one meal at a time. 🌱

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Susan Ammons
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