What does Panera Bread do with the leftover bread?

* Donation: A large portion of their leftover bread is donated to local food banks and shelters. This ensures the bread doesn't go to waste and helps those in need.

* Employee Discount: Panera employees often get a discount on leftover bread, allowing them to take some home.

* Animal Feed: Some leftover bread may be used to feed animals, particularly farm animals like pigs and chickens.

* Composting: Panera is also a strong proponent of composting, and leftover bread can be composted along with other food waste.

* Bread Crumbs: They may also use some of the leftover bread to make breadcrumbs, which can be used in other menu items or sold separately.

It's worth noting that Panera is committed to reducing food waste and has implemented several initiatives to achieve this, including:

* Predictive Ordering: They use data and analytics to better predict demand and avoid overproduction.

* Smaller Batch Baking: They bake bread in smaller batches throughout the day, ensuring freshness while minimizing waste.

* Ingredient Donation: Panera also donates surplus ingredients to local organizations.

Overall, Panera Bread takes a responsible approach to managing leftover bread, prioritizing donation, employee benefits, and sustainable practices like composting.