The Lucky Duck Foundation has partnered with Feeding San Diego and the Salvation Army to create a powerful food rescue and job training program. This initiative has successfully saved over one million pounds of good food that would have otherwise gone to waste. More than just reducing food waste, the program offers job training to individuals working to overcome homelessness.
With funding from the Lucky Duck Foundation, the Salvation Army hires residents from its homeless shelter and trains them as food rescue drivers. They collect surplus food from grocery stores, which is then distributed at the Salvation Army’s food pantry. This helps not only the homeless but also those on the edge of becoming homeless.
Most participants in this program are now in full-time jobs and have secured permanent housing. Since its launch in 2020, this initiative is part of a broader effort, with the Lucky Duck Foundation investing over $3 million in 25 employment programs across San Diego. To date, more than 2,500 individuals have benefited through job training and employment.
Research supports the program’s importance. A study from Point Loma Nazarene University found that many homeless individuals list employment as a crucial factor in ending their situation. Interestingly, while 53% of those surveyed identified affordable housing as key, job opportunities were even more highly prioritized.
The programs funded by the Lucky Duck Foundation address various skill sets, including culinary training, community beautification, and construction. They cater to people of all ages, from young adults to older individuals, and even those with a history of incarceration.
Examples of these initiatives include:
- Work for Hope, which helps participants find jobs while beautifying parks.
- San Diego’s Pathways program, offering free job training and internships.
- HomeAid San Diego’s WORKS program, focusing on construction skills and job placement.
- Rise Up Industries, assisting previously incarcerated individuals with machine operation apprenticeships.
The Lucky Duck Foundation has invested $500,000 in the food rescue program and plans to donate an additional $250,000 to enhance its reach. According to Drew Moser, CEO of the Lucky Duck Foundation, the valuation of the food rescued—around $1.9 million—highlights the program’s impact. This investment not only rescues food but also provides employment, offering hope to many who are navigating the challenges of homelessness.
In a time when food insecurity and homelessness are pressing issues, this program represents a heartening model of community support. It’s a reminder that by giving back, we can create lasting change.
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Food rescue program gives jobs to homeless and food to folks on the brink of homelessness
