Food Rescue US - South Florida

Up to 40% of all food produced in the US is wasted, yet in Miami-Dade County more than 1 in 10 people experienced food insecurity and hunger in 2022-23. Access to food is a basic need, and if it goes unmet, people experience physical and emotional consequences, including increased risk of chronic physical and mental health issues such as hypertension, obesity, diabetes, depression, and anxiety. Food Rescue US - South Florida supports individuals and families in need by providing fresh, nutritious food directly to local agencies that are already integrated with the under-resourced communities that they serve. 

Simultaneously, food waste is an environmental and climate crisis. Food that ends up in landfills and decomposes releases harmful methane which contributes to climate change. Food Waste has been identified as the #1 cause of climate change and global warming.

Our model is unique because of the Food Rescue US web-based app, our large volunteer base in South Florida, and our direct delivery model. These aspects of our model make it adaptable and enable us to rescue small to large amounts of food from an array of food donors, from bakeries, hotels and restaurants to convention centers, including rescuing 60+ lbs. of chicken from Kiki On The River to rescuing 65,000+ lbs. of excess food from the Formula 1 Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix in May 2024 at Hard Rock Stadium. 

No warehouse. No Trucks. No Sorting.  Instead we deliver directly and immediately to the local groups in need ensuring fresh and healthy food is delivered timely.  The local community agency partners we provide for serve food insecure children, families, veterans, immigrants, the homeless, and seniors. 

Part of our unique model is our monthly "Farmers Market" Food Distributions, where we consolidate our food rescues and bring to one location and set up on covered tables, with coolers and tents and merchandise the food to represent a pop up grocer or Farmers Market.  This respectful and dignified setting offers choice to attendees who are given a reusable shopping bag and allowed to select what they want.   

Our volunteers interact personally with the food donors, the receiving agencies and the food insecure recipients and build one one-on-one relationships that are inspiring and rewarding to all .