Food Rescue
We provide food for those who need it while reducing waste.
Food rescue, also called surplus food redistribution, is gathering edible food, that would otherwise go to waste, from farms, grocery stores, and restaurants and distributing it to local food programs so those in need can access nutritious food. In the United States, 35% of food typically goes to waste.
Fight Hunger, Help the Planet - Food Rescue
85,000+ pounds of food rescued in 2023!
Conserving edible food by getting it into the hands and mouths of those who need it is a vital part of the Basic Needs mission. In partnership with Second Harvest and local businesses such as HyVee, Cub, Walmart, Target, Starbucks, SuperMom’s, Willie’s, Tinucci’s, and more, Basic Needs volunteers pick up food that would otherwise be discarded and transport it to our free little pantries and, beginning in mid-September, to the Basic Needs Food Market in Cottage Grove, MN.
In 2022, Basic Needs rescued over 61,000 pounds of food. By August 2023, we have rescued over 85,000 pounds of food! That is food that is feeding people versus going to waste.
You’ll find sustainable practices across all of Basic Needs programs, in our thrift and food programs, where we recycle clothing and shoes and rescue good, quality food typically routed for the trash, and when necessary, turn to organic recycling for food loss.
How can you help? Join our volunteer food rescue team, donate to help fund our program, or become a partner in donating food to our food pantry from your business by contacting our executive director at execdir@basicneedsmn.org.
What our volunteers and families are saying:
“So many local families struggle with food insecurity. I enjoy making a positive impact in this community by making food pantry deliveries. My hope it that this program will continue to help supplement food budgets and reduce the amount of food waste from stores and restaurants that partner with Basic Needs.”
— Teresa M., Food Rescue Volunteer
“Thank you to Basic Needs for stocking the free food pantries around the county. There are days we wouldn’t have food if not for you. I know when times are tough, we will have food on our table thanks to your food rescue program. Thank you from all of us who depend on you.”
— Anonymous Food Pantry Customer