Courtesy: 412foodrescue.org
A grassroots nonprofit that began in Pittsburgh during spring 2015 is marking its 10-year
anniversary as the nation’s largest volunteer food rescue organization. What started as a modest
effort to collect surplus food from restaurants and grocery stores for redistribution to areas of
need has grown into a significant operation with nationwide impact.
412 Food Rescue, which will celebrate its milestone with a free community block party on April
12 (“412 Day”), has developed the Food Rescue Hero platform that now addresses food waste
and food insecurity throughout North America.
The organization’s impact statistics are substantial: over 24,000 local volunteers have completed
nearly 167,000 food rescues, recovering more than 25 million pounds of nutritious
food—equivalent to 21 million meals. This food has been transported to various partners serving
food-insecure populations, including public housing facilities, after-school programs, and
community centers.
Their efforts have improved food accessibility for over 180,000 people in previously underserved
areas, bringing fresh food within a 15-minute walking distance. Additionally, their food waste
prevention has mitigated an estimated 69 million pounds of CO2 emissions.
The “412 Day” block party will take place from noon to 4 p.m. at Velum Fermentation in
Pittsburgh, which is partnering with the organization to produce a limited-edition beer from
recently rescued tomatoes.
Sponsored by Duolingo and Global Tax Management, the event will feature various activities
including flash tattoos, tarot readings, games, music, food trucks, and a raffle.