Retail Rescue Program: How We’re Combating Food Waste and Hunger Simultaneously
Food waste is a widespread and pressing issue in the United States. According to Feeding America, over 92 billion pounds of food, equal to 145 billion meals, is wasted every year. In fact, almost 40% of the food produced ends up in the trash, while millions of people struggle with hunger every day. This is why food rescue programs like Retail Rescue exist.
Food Waste
If you can think of a place where food exists, then you’re also thinking of where food waste occurs. From restaurants to homes, perfectly good food gets discarded after meals. Farms and retailers often throw away surplus food that is still edible and nutritious due to cosmetic flaws or overstocking.
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Research and Development, produce, dairy, and eggs are the most frequently wasted foods, yet, hunger remains a significant crisis. In the service area of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore, food insecurity affects more than 132,000 people.
So how can we turn an abundance of untouched food into a solution for those who worry about where their next meal will come from? Food rescue programs like Retail Rescue offer a different approach and a chance to turn food waste into hope.
Retail Rescue
Retail Rescue minimizes food waste while combating hunger. The Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore strategically partners with food retailers, manufacturers, and farmers to rescue surplus, safe-to-eat food that would otherwise go to waste, and redirect it into the hands (and mouths) of those who need it most.
Collaboration is key for Retail Rescue to be successful. By working together, the Foodbank and our partners reduce waste to ensure food reaches those in need. In 2023, the Foodbank’s 142 partners provided over 7 million meals.
The process is straightforward. The surplus food is gathered and undergoes a thorough inspection process to ensure it meets safety and quality standards, which includes checking expiration dates and assessing freshness. The packaged food is then delivered to our local food banks, food hubs, and directly to families in need, ensuring that those facing food insecurity receive nutritious options promptly.
Other Impacts
Environmental
Food waste not only impacts people but also harms the environment, particularly through wasted resources. These statistics, provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, illustrate the environmental footprint of food loss and waste.
Greenhouse gases – Excluding landfill emissions, food waste contributes to emissions from the equivalent of 42 coal-fired power plants every year.
Water – Nearly six trillion gallons of water is wasted annually due to food waste.
Energy – Enough energy to power more than 50 million U.S. homes for a year is consumed to produce food that ends up as waste.
Land—On average, 140 million acres, or an area the size of New York and California combined, of food is wasted each year.
Economic
Food waste represents a potentially significant loss of money for households, businesses, and the economy. The costs associated with producing, transporting, and disposing of wasted food can strain financial resources for consumers and food producers.
Social
By redirecting surplus food to those in need, we can alleviate hunger and promote a sense of community and understanding. Reduced food waste means more nutritious meals can reach families struggling to make ends meet, improving their health and well-being.
Additionally, when communities come together to tackle food waste, they create opportunities for collaboration among local businesses, nonprofits, and volunteers like our Retail Rescue Drivers! Reinforcing the social fabric and encouraging collective action towards a more sustainable future. This food rescue program addresses immediate needs and ensures everyone has the chance to succeed.
Support the Program
Looking for “food donation centers near me?”. Discover how you can make a difference with the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore. Donate to food banks or contribute items to our mobile pantry food bank. Together, we can create a future with minimized food waste and universal access to nutritious food.