The Greenwich Wine and Food Festival is one of Fairfield County’s biggest events. The best chefs from all over Fairfield County and beyond gather at Roger Sherman Baldwin Park and showcase their skills.
This year, the Greenwich Wine and Food Festival selected Food Rescue US as its beneficiary. Food Rescue US engages volunteer “food rescuers” to transfer excess fresh, usable food that would have otherwise been thrown away from grocers, restaurants, corporate dining, hospitals and other sources to social service agencies who provide for food-insecure individuals and families.
Each year, 40% of the U.S. food supply is wasted. Without food, humans cannot survive, and hunger affects men, women and children all over the United States, including Fairfield County. Food insecurity contributes to poor health and emotional stress and can be a huge mental burden. The solution is quite simple—redirecting the food that would have been wasted to those who are in need.
In the age of Uber and Lyft, Food Rescue US asked what else our smartphones could do. What if it was just as easy to press a button and redirect food that was going to be wasted? To help answer these questions, Food Rescue US launched an app in 2011.
“It’s an innovative and smart solution for our busy, on-demand world,” Carol Shattuck, CEO of Food Rescue US says. “Wherever you are, and however much time you have, the app lets you play a critical role in rescuing and delivering meals. We’re proud that since Food Rescue US started in 2011, we’ve delivered 35 million meals to people who are food insecure.”
The app works by connecting restaurants and other establishments that have an excess of food to social service agencies that need it. While traditional food banks primarily accept canned goods and non-perishable foods, Food Rescue US is dedicated to delivering fresh and healthy foods to those that need it.
Convenience was the biggest factor that led to the creation of the app. The Food Rescue US app allows you to claim or adopt rescues and volunteer when it fits into your schedule. The app makes it easy for anybody, no matter the age, to get involved with the organization and help the food insecure. Children are encouraged to help parents rescue and deliver food.
The Food Rescue US app is available on iPhone and Android, or you can join by registering on their website at FoodRescue.US. Choose the role and time that fits for you and become a food rescuer. There are so many ways to get involved in this amazing organization!
