Pittsburgh-Based Food Rescue App Celebrates 20 Million Pounds of Food Saved
412 Food Rescue is a non-profit organization based in Pittsburgh that rescues “perfectly good but unsellable food that would otherwise be wasted,” according to its website. The organization began in 2015 and has since saved 20 million pounds of food throughout the region, thanks to the work of thousands of volunteers.
“I’m so grateful to the city of Pittsburgh,” 412 co-founder and CEO Leah Lizarondo said in an email statement to the Business Times. “Our volunteers here have demonstrated just how powerful we are when we work together. They are spearheading a movement that is already reaching across the country, changing the way we approach food waste and hunger.”
412 Food Rescue works with 800 fod retailers and 600 non-profit partners to redirect excess food from restaurants and grocery stores so that it can be served to those facing food insecurity. Participating organizations use the 412 Food Rescue App to notify nearby volunteers of any excess food they have.
The 20 million pounds of saved food translates to more than 16 million meals served. According to Lizarondo, the organization has now saved 68 million pounds of food in total throughout its network of 13 cities.
Image source: 412 Food Rescue
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