Wrapped, prepackaged food that goes unsold at several Sea-Tac International Airport concessions will no longer go to waste.

The Port of Seattle, which operates the airport, last week announced agreement with five airport concessions to make unsold food available to food banks in South King County.

"These are wholesome and tasty products that our vendors replace each day," said Port of Seattle Commission President Patricia Davis. "They will be a great addition to the shelves at local food banks."

Under the agreement, the Des Moines Area Food Bank will collect the wrapped, prepackaged food and, in collaboration with a network of 15 food banks, distribute it to more than 800 needy families in the local area.

Barb Shimizu, associate director of the Des Moines Food Bank, is excited about the program.

"It's all fabulous food - salads, sandwiches and nice pastries," Shimizu said. "Because the food is wrapped and ready-to-eat, it is perfect for families who come in hungry. "

Vendors include the Alki Bakery, Hudson News, Ken's Baggage and Frozen Food Storage, Dilettante Chocolates and Ivar's.

"Once again, doing the right thing also turns out to be good business," Davis said. "Those in need get healthy food. And these tenants will also get tax deductions and reduced waste-disposal costs."

Food donations are approaching 500 pounds per week, and bulk foods are not yet part of the program. Port officials wanted to get some experience with a donation program before adding more vendors and switching to other than pre-wrapped items.

Airport Director Mark Reis does hope the program can be expanded.

"This is a natural extension of a recycling program that that has been extremely successful for us," Reis said. "All recycling is important, but this provides a very tangible direct benefit to people in need."

The recycling of more traditional items has won Sea-Tac national recognition. Twenty-five percent of the airport's total waste stream is sent to recyclers rather than landfills, saving approximately $150,000 annually in disposal costs.

Two years ago, the airport started recycling coffee grounds and now recycles more than 12 tons of coffee grounds every month. The coffee grounds are sent to a local compost company.