How the Detroit Grand Prix’s Leftovers Are Fighting Hunger: Metro Food Rescue Feeds Thousands

Metro Food Rescue is on a mission in Detroit. During the recent Grand Prix, they gathered leftover food to help those in need across Michigan. This initiative addresses two major issues: food waste and hunger.

Founded in 2020, Metro Food Rescue donates surplus meals from events like the Grand Prix to organizations that serve people facing food insecurity. This year alone, they are providing around 5,000 meals through 10 local charities.

More than 100,000 fans flocked to the Grand Prix, bringing excitement—and leftovers. Chad Techner, the founder, highlights the shock of food waste. “It’s incredible that 40% of food is wasted,” he says. This food often sits just a short distance from those who could use it, with organizations close by ready to accept it.

One recipient is Crossroads of Michigan, located in an area often referred to as a "food desert," where access to fresh produce is limited. Frank Wilson, who supervises food intake there, emphasizes how crucial these donations are. "It’s great, it’s great. They help the community a whole lot," he shares.

These contributions allow Crossroads to distribute grab-and-go meals and operate a soup kitchen every Sunday.

This isn’t Metro Food Rescue’s first large-scale effort. After last year’s NFL Draft in Detroit, they donated 73,000 pounds of food, ultimately helping feed over 70,000 people across Michigan. In total, they rescued 2.5 million pounds of food last year—food that could have ended up in landfills.

Letty Azar from the Penske Corporation, involved with the Grand Prix, noted, “Metro Food Rescue’s efforts not only reduce food waste but also lessen greenhouse gases. This partnership is vital for our community and is part of our sustainability strategy at the Grand Prix.”

The surge in food rescue efforts signals a growing awareness. Many people now engage with and support food recovery initiatives through social media, celebrating the impact these organizations make.

It’s clear: efforts like Metro Food Rescue are not just about feeding people; they’re about creating a more sustainable future. Learn more about their work at Penske Corporation and how it fits into Detroit’s larger sustainability efforts.

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