Fighting Hunger and Reducing Food Waste: How a Non-Profit is Transforming Northeast Florida

Food waste and food insecurity are critical issues affecting many communities worldwide. In Northeast Florida, Epic-Cure is making a real difference in tackling these challenges.

Founded in 2018 by Sunny and Ken Mulford, Epic-Cure was born from the need to reduce food waste and assist those facing food insecurity. The organization collects surplus food from local grocery stores and distributes it to those in need. This effort not only helps people but also reduces greenhouse gas emissions. A report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture revealed that food waste contributes around 170 million metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions annually—equivalent to the output of 42 coal-fired power plants.

Food insecurity affects many families, too. In 2024, Epic-Cure reached around 20,000 individuals each month in St. John’s and Putnam Counties. A 2023 USDA report noted that 13.5% of households in the U.S. live with food insecurity, which can disrupt even the most carefully planned budgets. Volunteer Lisa Chismark highlights this issue, explaining that unexpected expenses can force families to cut back on food.

Each month, Epic-Cure receives over 1 million pounds of food from grocery chains like Publix and Winn-Dixie. Volunteers sort this food to prepare for weekly markets. Any food that doesn’t meet distribution standards is given to local farms as animal feed, further reducing waste.

Francisco Sanchez, the director of operations at Epic-Cure, emphasizes the impact of their work. “Our daily tasks revolve around rescuing food and feeding the needy,” he says, illustrating the dual mission of waste reduction and community support.

Beyond food distribution, Epic-Cure offers cooking classes for young participants. These lessons teach valuable culinary skills and promote healthy eating. Each month, participants tackle different meals, including international cuisines, and take their creations home. Some have even found job opportunities in local restaurants thanks to these classes.

Recently, Epic-Cure has joined forces with Wildflower Healthcare to address another layer of community need. The Epic-Med program provides donated medical supplies to uninsured families and operates out of a St. Augustine warehouse. This initiative aims to ensure that those facing health challenges can access essential medical resources.

Looking ahead, Epic-Cure plans to expand its warehouse to accommodate its growing services. The current space limits their ability to assist more people. Additionally, they aim to build more partnerships with local organizations, particularly those classified as 501(c)(3) charities. These partnerships enable others, like youth homes, to benefit from the food markets, ensuring consistent support for their communities.

Sanchez notes the positive atmosphere at Epic-Cure: “Every day you see a difference. It’s a happy place.” Their efforts not only provide food but also create a sense of hope and community, making a lasting impact on those they serve.

To learn more about food waste and its environmental impact, you might explore resources from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Understanding this issue is crucial as we work together to create sustainable solutions.



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