Rescue Deliciously Imperfect Produce: How Food Rescue Programs Help Combat Hunger

FOX 2 – The GenesisHOPE food program in Detroit faced a crisis when federal cuts forced its partner to pause food distribution. Hundreds count on GenesisHOPE every month for essential food supplies.

Selena Asberry-Gross, a key figure in this initiative, said, “This is very important to my community. People thank me every time they come.” When they needed help, a new partnership was formed between Metro Food Rescue and Sharing Excess to keep the food flowing.

Thanks to this collaboration, food was salvaged that might have gone to waste. Evan Ehlers from Metro Food Rescue explained, “We didn’t miss a beat. We rescued food from the wholesale market and distributed it to the community.” They focused on items with minor imperfections, which might not sell well but are still nutritious.

Chad Techner from Metro Food Rescue added, “Many people we serve lack access to fresh produce. In fact, 90% of SNAP retailers offer little to no fruits and vegetables.” This highlights an ongoing issue: food deserts, areas with limited access to fresh food.

To commemorate their efforts, a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held to mark the new sorting and repacking facility. “In just two months, we’ve rescued enough food for three million servings of fresh produce—650,000 pounds of food!” Techner noted.

This partnership is supported by grants from organizations like the DTE Foundation, emphasizing how community cooperation can tackle food insecurity.

With ongoing challenges in food access, this project shows how innovative solutions can make a significant impact. By focusing on fresh food waste, they not only help those in need but also combat climate change by reducing food waste.

For more on the fight against food waste and insecurity, you can check resources from the [USDA](https://www.usda.gov). Creating change takes teamwork, and the efforts in Detroit demonstrate the power of community partnerships.

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