Oak Park Chefs Earn James Beard Nomination for Fighting Food Waste

The Des Moines restaurant is being recognized for its innovative sustainability efforts.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 11:31am

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A vibrant, high-contrast silkscreen print featuring a repeating pattern of a compost bin or vegetable scraps in neon colors, conceptually representing a restaurant's commitment to sustainability and reducing food waste.A James Beard nomination shines a spotlight on Oak Park's innovative efforts to reduce food waste and promote sustainability in the restaurant industry.Des Moines Today

Oak Park, a restaurant in Des Moines, Iowa, has been nominated for a prestigious James Beard Award for its efforts to combat food waste. The restaurant, owned by Kathy Fehrman, has implemented a variety of initiatives to reduce its environmental impact, including composting, sourcing local ingredients, and repurposing food scraps.

Why it matters

The James Beard Awards are considered the highest honor in the culinary industry, and a nomination for Oak Park highlights the growing importance of sustainability and environmental consciousness in the restaurant world. As consumers become more aware of the impact of food waste, restaurants that prioritize reducing waste and embracing eco-friendly practices are being recognized and celebrated.

The details

Oak Park has implemented a comprehensive food waste reduction program, including composting all food scraps, sourcing ingredients locally to minimize transportation emissions, and repurposing items that would otherwise be discarded. The restaurant has also educated its staff and customers on the importance of reducing waste and has inspired other businesses in the community to adopt similar practices.

  • Oak Park opened in Des Moines in 2020.
  • The restaurant was nominated for a James Beard Award in 2026.

The players

Kathy Fehrman

The owner of Oak Park, a restaurant in Des Moines, Iowa that has been nominated for a prestigious James Beard Award for its efforts to combat food waste.

James Beard Awards

The most prestigious awards in the culinary industry, recognizing excellence in food, beverage, and restaurant design.

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What they’re saying

“We're thrilled to be recognized for our commitment to sustainability and reducing food waste. It's been a core part of our mission since we opened, and we hope to inspire other restaurants to follow suit.”

— Kathy Fehrman, Owner, Oak Park

What’s next

The James Beard Awards ceremony will be held in May 2026, where Oak Park will find out if they have won the award for their efforts in fighting food waste.

The takeaway

Oak Park's James Beard nomination showcases how restaurants can take a leading role in addressing environmental issues like food waste, and how such efforts can be recognized and celebrated within the industry.