Join the Fight Against Food Waste: Lee County’s 8th Annual Food-Rescue Campaign is Here!

Lee County’s annual "Donated Not Wasted" food rescue campaign is coming to a close. This initiative encourages seasonal visitors to share their unopened pantry items before heading back home. Since it started, the program has successfully redirected over 38,700 pounds of food from waste to those in need, equating to 32,200 meals for the local community.

Alongside partners like Harry Chapin Food Bank, Waste Pro, and the Lee County Library System, Lee County Solid Waste has been working hard to ensure that good food doesn’t end up in the trash. If you’re in the area, you can contribute by donating unopened canned and dry goods until Monday, April 21, at various libraries and parks.

Here are some locations for drop-offs:

Parks and Recreation Centers:

• Estero Recreation Center – 9200 Corkscrew Palms Blvd., Estero
• North Fort Myers Recreation Center – 2000 N. Recreation Park Way, North Fort Myers
• Veterans Park Recreation Center – 55 Homestead Road S., Lehigh Acres

Libraries:

• Bonita Springs Public Library – 10560 Reynolds St., Bonita Springs
• Fort Myers Regional Library (South Building) – 1651 Lee St., Fort Myers
• Sanibel Public Library – 770 Dunlop Road, Sanibel

The Harry Chapin Food Bank, a partner of Feeding America, plays a vital role in tackling hunger in Southwest Florida. They serve around 250,000 people monthly through their network of 175 agencies. In 2024, they distributed an impressive 39.5 million pounds of food, which is about 32 million meals. The Food Bank relies on community support, including donations from individuals and businesses, and is recognized for its transparency and effectiveness in charity work.

This campaign highlights a growing trend toward sustainability and community support. According to a recent survey, nearly 70% of Americans are concerned about food waste, which has surged in recent years. Campaigns like "Donated Not Wasted" not only help reduce this waste but also support those in need—a win-win for our community.

For more details on how to help, check out the Lee County Solid Waste website, or visit the Harry Chapin Food Bank. Your contributions can make a real difference!

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