More than Surplus
A second chance
Food Rescue Program
Every day, local supermarkets have a surplus of high-quality, nutritious food that, for many reasons, cannot remain on their shelves. Instead of letting it go to waste, we see an opportunity. Through our Food Rescue Program, we partner with these local grocers to give that food a second chance, turning potential waste into nourishment for our community.
This program tells a layered story that is central to who we are. First, it is about dignity. We are able to offer our neighbors the same high-quality food they would find in a grocery store, reinforcing a sense of choice and respect. Second, it demonstrates fiscal responsibility to our donors, showing that we are leveraging local resources to stock our shelves, not just spending money. Finally, it has a positive environmental impact by significantly reducing local food waste. This is a powerful, sustainable model, and it's a story our community and supporters deserve to hear.
SSFB Executive Director
“We're leveraging local resources and being fiscally responsible and also helping positively impact our environment by reducing food waste and treating people with dignity."
HOW IT WORKS
This program is a critical link in our local food system, creating a pipeline of nutritious food for our entire network.
Building Partnerships
We establish strong relationships with local supermarkets and food distributors who share our commitment to reducing waste and feeding the community.
Daily Rescue Mission
Our team of dedicated staff and volunteers collects surplus food from our partners that would otherwise be discarded.
A “Game-changing” expansion
Thanks to a recent and generous $350,000 grant from the Gersner Foundation, we are dramatically expanding this program's infrastructure. This funding will support new refrigeration, a regional procurement system, and an inventory network to offer rescued food to all of our pantry partners.
The Impact
216,000 lbs
Nearly 216,000 lbs of high-quality food was rescued in 2023.
26%
Rescued food accounted for 26% of all food distributed through our programs in 2023.
+ SPACE
The expansion will allow us to rescue and distribute even more food.
How You Can Help Us Rescue More
Fund the Fleet
Your donation helps cover the fuel, insurance, and maintenance costs for the vehicles that are on the road every day rescuing food.
Be a Rescue Volunteer
We need volunteers with flexible schedules who can help our team with food pickups from our generous partners.
Make a Connection
Do you have a relationship with a local supermarket, farm, or food distributor? Help us build new partnerships to expand our rescue efforts.
